This book focuses on the vulnerabilities of state and local services to cyber-threats and
suggests possible protective action that might be taken against such threats. Cyber-threats to
U.S. critical infrastructure are of growing concern to policymakers managers and consumers.
Information and communications technology (ICT) is ubiquitous and many ICT devices and other
components are interdependent therefore disruption of one component may have a negative
cascading effect on others. Cyber-attacks might include denial of service theft or
manipulation of data. Damage to critical infrastructure through a cyber-based attack could have
a significant impact on the national security the economy and the livelihood and safety of
many individual citizens. Traditionally cyber security has generally been viewed as being
focused on higher level threats such as those against the internet or the Federal government.
Little attention has been paid to cyber-security at the state and locallevel. However these
governmental units play a critical role in providing services to local residents and
consequently are highly vulnerable to cyber-threats. The failure of these services such as
waste water collection and water supply transportation public safety utility services and
communication services would pose a great threat to the public. Featuring contributions from
leading experts in the field this volume is intended for state and local government officials
and managers state and Federal officials academics and public policy specialists.
