Citation
Carter, J.W. (2007), "The web site for the InfraGard program", Policing: An International Journal, Vol. 30 No. 4. https://doi.org/10.1108/pijpsm.2007.18130dag.001
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2007, Emerald Group Publishing Limited
The web site for the InfraGard program
In recent years, a major concern has developed concerning computer and internet security issues. In an effort to address such concerns, the Cleveland Field Office of the FBI initiated the InfraGard program in 1996, as “a local effort to gain support from the information technology industry and academia for the FBI’s investigative efforts in the cyber arena” (www.infragard.net) In 1998, after extending the program to other field offices, the FBI “assigned national program responsibility for InfraGard to the former National Infrastructure Protection Center (NIPC). In 2003, the responsibility was shifted to the Cyber Division in 2003. The InfraGard program seeks to create a network of members, including private agencies, academia and government agencies in an effort to protect the critical infrastructures in America.
The InfraGard Program addresses three forms of attacks: unstructured attacks (e.g. attacks by hackers), structured attacks (e.g. attacks by organized crime organizations) and threats to national security (e.g. attacks by terrorists). According to the InfraGard web site, the network of members it seeks to establish is a critical tool in dealing with such threats to America’s computer-based infrastructure. Through such a network, the program administrators hope to increase the number of reported attacks, create new “channels” by which to disseminate information concerning threats and further both knowledge and training about both cyber and physical security threats.
Currently, there is no national membership rolls, however, there are local chapters throughout the country, which law enforcement agencies can join. Any law enforcement agency which is concerned with the threats posed by computers and the internet should visit the InfraGard web site at: www.infragard.net to find a local chapter, find out more about member benefits and to find details on the membership process.
J.W. Carter IIUniversity of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, USA