Approved for Public Release 19 Apr 07
USAF Scientific Advisory Board
FY 2007
Implications of Cyber Warfare Terms of Reference Background
The United States is vitally dependent on advanced technological capabilities enabled by global connectivity. Cyber operations can potentially disrupt, delay or deny the Air Force’s ability to accomplish its missions. Cyber warfare enables attacks from anywhere in the globe at lightning speed. The cost of entry for cyber warfare is very low and adversaries can rapidly establish a strong foothold in this domain. The Air Force needs to understand its current capabilities and critical vulnerabilities against cyber warfare. This study will perform a risk assessment of likely potential cyber warfare scenarios and determine its impacts to Air Force systems and operations. A better understanding of technology trends and potential vulnerabilities will enable the Air Force to better prepare for potential cyber attacks and to correct possible shortfalls in our systems.
Study Products
Briefing to SAF/OS and AF/CC in July 2007. Publish report in August 2007.
Charter
• • • Review Air Force’s current cyber warfare defensive capabilities and assess critical vulnerabilities. Define potential scenarios and assess risks to Air Force systems. Define technology trends and propose a way ahead for S&T development that could reduce our potential vulnerabilities or mitigate the impact of cyber attack on our systems.
Approved for Public Release 19 Apr 07