Watson Events

Cyberattack as a Tool of U.S. Policy?

“Cyberattack as a Tool of U.S. Policy?” 
Dr. Herbert S. Lin, National Research Council

Much has been written about the possibility that terrorists or hostile nations might conduct cyberattacks against critical sectors of the U.S. economy. However, the possibility that the United States might conduct its own cyberattacks -- defensively or otherwise -- has received almost no public discussion. Recently, the US National Academies performed an exhaustive study of the legal, ethical, and policy questions surrounding cyberattack as a U.S. policy instrument. This talk will present an up-to-date analysis of this emerging topic and the critical issues that surround it.

About the speaker: Herbert S. Lin is chief scientist for the National Research Council's Computer Science and Telecommunications Board where he directs major study projects at the intersection of public policy and information technology. He previously served as staff scientist in defense policy and arms control for the House Armed Services Committee. Lin holds a doctorate in physics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Location: Joukowsky Forum, Watson Institute, 111 Thayer Street.