Net is Down, Now What Do We Do: Is the Airforce Prepared to Survive a Cyber Attack

This study analyzes the Air Forces defense of cyberspace. The author assesses the cyber strategies and doctrine of the United States government, to include the joint military and Air Force specific documents. This assessment reveals the conflicting attitude held by the different organizations regarding the balance between cyber attack and defense. Next, the writer examines Clausewitzs theory of defense and identifies key concepts relevant to the cyber domain including the goal of defense, which is preservation. The author reviews the 2007 cyber attack on Estonia and uncovers how this nation was able to defend against attacks and survive the first Web War. The final section offers concluding thoughts and recommendations regarding the defense of cyberspace by the Air Force. The service is concentrating on cyber attack operations but must balance this with a cyber defense that goes beyond detection/denial and focuses on preserving cyber capabilities.