Computer Economics' Analyst Matches Recent Attack Sequences to Those Outlined in His Book ``Information Warfare: How to Survive Cyber Attacks''

Business Wire, Sept 19, 2001

Business Editors & High-Tech Writers

CARLSBAD, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 19, 2001

The malicious code attacks of the summer, the physical terrorists attacks of September 11, and the subsequent malicious code attack of September 18 are following patterns and strategies outlined in "Information Warfare: How to Survive Cyber Attacks," authored by Michael Erbschloe, vice president of research at Computer Economics.

"I analyzed how combinations of physical attacks and cyber attacks could be very effective warfare tools for the 21st century," said Michael Erbschloe. "Although I believe that many different groups of people are responsible for the attacks of the last several months, the net effect of damage and chaos are the same as if they were being orchestrated by a single group," said Erbschloe.

"Many information warfare planners have focused on fighting a single enemy and waging battle solely in cyberspace," said Erbschloe. "The reality of it is that there are not many countries or terrorist groups who can sustain an effective information warfare strategy. However, a combination of groups using numerous strategies could very well act independently of each other and time their attacks to sustain a rather nasty and long war without ever going onto a battlefield," said Erbschloe.

"The major indicator in determining if this is the real thing is how often attacks come," said Erbschloe. "Another indicator is how many different systems attackers can hit and if they will be able to penetrate previously secure systems like cellular communications and satellite communications systems," said Erbschloe.

About Computer Economics

Computer Economics is an independent research firm specializing in helping business decision-makers plan, manage and control technology costs through advisory services, analyst support and innovative advisory Web sites. Based in Carlsbad, Calif., Computer Economics serves 82 percent of the Fortune 500.