the u.s. information and communications infrastructure sector generates more revenue than most nations produce. Far more than any other nation, the potential of new technologies has enabled the United States to reshape its governmental and commercial processes. All countries that make use of computer technology and especially those connected to the Internet are vulnerable, although the level to which the United States has incorporated new technologies and the highly networked nature of its infrastructure makes it the most vulnerable.

Some experts have questioned whether such an open and flexible global information infrastructure is still in the best interests of the United States and the world in light of the growing threats from information warfare, information terrorism, and cybercrime. One must keep in mind this state of the world in assessing the efficacy of any proposed international agreement that portends to address the serious and far-reaching effects of information warfare, information terrorism, and cybercrime.

Growing Vulnerability in the Information Age

President Clinton chose his commencement address to the 1998 graduating class of the U.S. Naval Academy as a forum for highlighting the escalating threat posed by information warfare, information terrorism, and cybercrime: