How does the Information Environment Threaten National Security? (video blog)
Today’s information environment poses opportunities and threats to our national security. Wireless communication and social media have increased the speed and range of information sharing, diffusing the power once held more centrally.
In the videos below, GAO’s Joe Kirschbaum—an expert in emerging threats to national defense—discusses our new work about how the Department of Defense (DOD) is positioned to use and protect the information environment.
While the threats are varied, they can also come from a wide range of hostile actors.
Information systems have become more integrated into DOD’s missions and functions. Emerging technologies—such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, 5G wireless telecommunications, and the Internet of Things—may introduce both opportunities for and threats to DOD in the information environment.
What is DOD doing to address these threats?
DOD components have identified a variety of actions that may help address the threats posed to our national security in the information environment. Achieving and sustaining an advantage on this battlefield requires DOD to undertake a comprehensive strategic approach that would include, for example, doctrine, organization, and training.
In our prior work, we’ve made a number of recommendations to help DOD create this approach and address threats posed by the information environment.
Learn more about our work on the information environment and DOD’s response by checking out our new report.
- Comments on GAO’s WatchBlog? Contact blog@gao.gov.
GAO Contacts
Related Products
GAO's mission is to provide Congress with fact-based, nonpartisan information that can help improve federal government performance and ensure accountability for the benefit of the American people. GAO launched its WatchBlog in January, 2014, as part of its continuing effort to reach its audiences—Congress and the American people—where they are currently looking for information.
The blog format allows GAO to provide a little more context about its work than it can offer on its other social media platforms. Posts will tie GAO work to current events and the news; show how GAO’s work is affecting agencies or legislation; highlight reports, testimonies, and issue areas where GAO does work; and provide information about GAO itself, among other things.
Please send any feedback on GAO's WatchBlog to blog@gao.gov.