The Need for Information Sharing and Analysis Organizations to Combat Attacks on States and Community Public and Private Networks

Abstract

An ever increasing number of attacks are being reported on various city and state computer systems and networks worldwide. These attacks have resulted in the disruption of city operations or the release of personal information. Cities and states need to protect their systems but frequently plans to do so are lacking and the ability to respond to cybersecurity events is non-existent. This is especially true for smaller communities that do not have the budget to hire full-time security personnel or contract for security services. A critical step that states and communities can take is the establishment of a state or community Information Sharing and Analysis Organization (ISAO). This paper will describe how a state or community can use the creation of an ISAO to jumpstart various aspects of its cybersecurity program, incorporating a number of established programs in a single initiative.