The Foreign Service Journal, December 2005

difficult to quantify that risk, and it must be balanced against the important functions they perform at posts around the world. Ultimately, technologically en- abled solutions — including, but not limited to, firewalls, anti-virus software, patch management, password control, encryption, in- trusion detection systems and pen- etration testing — form the core elements of a robust cybersecuri- ty umbrella. Most of these tech- nologies are increasingly used throughout government to prevent, and when necessary, identify and correct elec- tronic vulnerabilities. Advances in cybersecurity hard- ware and software — such as biometric readers to replace easily compromised alphanumeric passwords as well as analytical software that helps predict cyber-attack patterns — now provide additional capabilities to protect computer systems. These and other state-of-the-art tools have raised the level of protection beyond what was available or practical just a few years ago. The Greek philosopher Hera- clitus once said that a person can- not step into the same river twice. The river, he observed, changes from moment to moment. More than two thousand years later, that observation could not be more relevant when applied to the perils of cyberspace. Whether in the sights of a nation- state, a terrorist cell or a lone-wolf hacker, the comput- er systems of the federal government will remain tar- gets of choice. Like the river, the tactics employed by attackers are in constant motion. The defenses neces- sary to counter them must continue to evolve with equal vigor. n F O C U S D E C E M B E R 2 0 0 5 / F O R E I G N S E R V I C E J O U R N A L 49 There is little doubt that real or potential adversaries — likely including Russia, Iran, North Korea and China — consider hacking a part of their arsenal. * per night, single or double occupancy subject to availability Y our search is over, choose a hotel where the federal per diem rate is available year-round. * t Luxurious Suites t All rooms with full size kitchen & stove tops t Fitness center t Complimentary in-room coffee t Full service restaurant t Parking available t Across fromMain State t White House, The Mall, and Metro Foggy Bottom station (blue & orange lines) within walking distance Accommodations State Plaza Hotel 2117 E. St. NW Washington, DC 20037 Telephone: (800) 424-2859 (202) 861-8200 Parking Available Rated HHH 1 / 2 by AAA www.stateplaza.com E-mail: reservations@stateplaza.com