ENCYCLOPEDIA OF Espionage, Intelligence, and Security Volume ...

Computer Software SecurityModeling and Simulation: Linking Entertainment andDefense. Washington, D.C.: National Academy Press,1997.ELECTRONIC:Lee, David B., Lt. Col., USAF. “War Gaming: Thinking forthe Future.” Airpower Journal (March14, 2003).U.S. Air Force Wargaming Institute. (March 14, 2003).U.S. Army Program Executive Office for Simulation, Training,and Instrumentation. (March 14, 2003).SEE ALSOInternetNASA (National Air and Space Administration)NTSB (National Transportation Safety Board)SupercomputersComputer Security Act (1987)The Computer Security Act of 1987 is the first majorUnited States government effort to legislate protectionand defense for unclassified information in governmentrelatedcomputer systems. The act mandates the NationalBureau of Standards to develop and implement proceduresthat improve the security and privacy of sensitivematerial and creates a means for establishing minimumacceptable security practices.The CSA arose out of congressional concerns aboutcomputer database vulnerability and executive branchover-zealousness on computer matters. While the Departmentof Defense argued that unclassified informationcould be pieced together to create a national securitythreat, President Ronald Reagan’s 1984 National SecurityDecision Directive 145 set information safeguards at sucha high level that private computer data companies loudlycomplained to legislators about federal scrutiny of theircustomers. Congress decided to assess the vulnerabilityof government computers, develop technical and managementstrategies against access to sensitive information,and establish mandatory training for employees incomputer and communication security. The resulting CSAalso designates the creation of a twelve-member advisoryboard that meets at least three times per year and reportsto the Secretary of Commerce, the Office of Managementand Budget, the National Security Council, and Congress.While the CSA is designed to prevent the release ofsensitive information, the law specifically forbids any federalagency to withhold information requested under theFreedom of Information Act (FOIA). It also does not authorizeany agency to limit, restrict, or regulate the collection,disclosure, use, or sale of privately owned or publicEncyclopedia of Espionage, Intelligence, and Securitydomain information. Despite this provision journalistshave encountered increasing difficulty obtaining FOIA accessto federal material stored in computer databases.Librarians have also observed that the Department ofDefense, Department of Energy, and NASA release fewerdocuments to the public than in the years prior to CSA.In light of the George W. Bush administration’s concernwith secrecy as an element of national security, theCSA will likely continue to be used to limit public access togovernment information.❚ FURTHER READING:BOOKS:Blyth, Andrew and Gerald L. Kovacich. Information Assurance:Surviving in the Information Environment. London:Springer, 2001.Martin, Shannon E. Bits, Bytes, and Big Brother: FederalInformation Control in the Technological Age. Westport,CT: Praeger, 1995.SEE ALSOBush Administration (2001–), United States National SecurityPolicyClassified InformationCommerce Department Intelligence and Security Responsibilities,United StatesComputer Fraud and Abuse Act of 1986Computer HackersComputer Hardware SecurityDOD (United States Department of Defense)DOE (United States Department of Energy)FOIA (Freedom of Information Act)Information SecurityNSC (National Security Council)Reagan Administration (1981–1989), United States NationalSecurity Policy❚ BRIAN HOYLEComputer Software SecurityComputer software security refers to the use of softwareto prevent damage to computer files, programs, and operatingsystems, as well as to monitor a personal computer(PC) or laptop for theft.Anti-virus software. A recommended feature for any computerthat is connected to the Internet is software thatprotects the computer from viruses. Like biological viruses,computer viruses need the machinery of another host, inthis case a computer, to make new copies of themselvesand infect another host computer. There are upwards of261