Analysis and Estimation of Expected Cyber-Attack Scenarios and Consequences

Abstract

The cyberspace is becoming one of the main elements of vulnerability in national security and has led to a critical situation because the system is always more focused on information sharing and on quick communication all over the world than security. The cyberspace is, in fact, the "easier vector" of the information environment, comprising independent networks of different communication and telecommunication infrastructures. Through this vector it is possible to perform a wide range of cyber-attacks, causing possibly huge negative effects on systems and assets; however, these attacks do not cause human loss or physical damages to the society. In order to protect from this danger, it is necessary to understand and analyze how many and which are the risks as well as the possible actions needed to minimize the consequences of a dangerous event.