A Weak Spot in Our Defenses

[Commentary] Attacks on computer systems will be an integral element of future conflict, and the United States is more dependent on computer networks than any other nation. Both policymakers and the military are in the early stages of coming to grips with this threat. We need to take some important first steps to strengthen our national capability to defend ourselves in cyberspace. First, we must abandon the notion that static defenses will help us against sophisticated threats. Second, our intelligence on other countries' cyber-capabilities must be strengthened. Third, while there are national security systems we certainly need to protect, our greatest vulnerability as a nation is outside the government. Our banking system, our telephone communications and our electricity grid are all owned and run by private companies and are interconnected to the global computer network. Cyberwarfare is a realm where technology is fast outpacing policy, doctrine and law. We must start closing the gap.

[Wilson was a representative from New Mexico in the U.S. House from 1998 to 2009 and served on the House intelligence committee for six years.]