Toward a Safer and More Secure Cyberspace

"Because much of the nation's critical infrastructure depends on information technology (IT), the United States is vulnerable to adversaries who might exploit weaknesses in critical information systems. In addition, we do not adequately understand what makes IT systems vulnerable, the best ways to reduce their vulnerabilities, or how to implement cybersecurity techniques. In response to these concerns and at the request of Congress, the National Research Council undertook a study to develop a strategy for cybersecurity research to address the vulnerability issue. This report provides an assessment by a committee of experts of the nature of the cybersecurity threat, an analysis of why previous research efforts have not been completely effective, an analysis of the human resources required to advance cybersecurity research, descriptions of illustrative research areas, and recommendations for action."‌ (Direct Quote)