Electronic information security

The US Department of Defense (DoD), civilian agencies, and private corporations, which process vast amounts of information, share the same problems but perceive and emphasize them differently. DoD wants the exclusive right to develop technology and establish guidelines; the primary need is for products that focus on the secure disclosure of information. Civilian agencies do not care about who administers policies, as long as required security programs have budget support and provide for the integrity of their information. Private companies share the principal need for integrity of information but are more cost-conscious than civilian agencies. The author reviews the policies, programs, and market conditions that affect information security, showing the necessity for the formulation and execution of a uniform policy that balances the inputs and interests of all three sectors.<>