Abstract
In the modern era, the internet is becoming just as essential to the functioning of our everyday lives as food and water. Virtually everything we do relies on modern technology in some capacity, allowing our world to function efficiently. The technology that we have available has made our world smaller in a sense, because digital interconnectedness has allowed us to communicate with anyone no matter where they are on the globe in a matter of seconds, with the tap of a finger. This idea, once a phenomenon only possible in storybooks, has come to life but is not without its own drawbacks. Vulnerabilities in these systems that allow our modern world to operate have become increasingly apparent. This thesis explores the risks facing our critical infrastructure that serves as the backbone of the world we live in, and the evolving nature of cyber threats that loom over our society daily. A major disruption to our critical infrastructure that impedes the daily life of the citizens of the United States has the potential to cause massive pandemonium- leaving our nation exposed and vulnerable to further attacks of a larger magnitude. In exploring these threats facing our critical infrastructure and understanding the players involved, we can identify key areas for improvement and the limitations of our cybersecurity.
Semester/Year of Award
Spring 5-6-2024
Mentor
John J. Brent
Mentor Department Affiliation
Justice Studies
Access Options
Open Access Thesis
Document Type
Bachelor Thesis
Degree Name
Honors Scholars
Degree Level
Bachelors
Department
Justice Studies
Recommended Citation
Riel, Jenna F., "Examining the Implications of a Significant Cyberattack on U.S. Infrastructure" (2024). Honors Theses. 1044.
https://encompass.eku.edu/honors_theses/1044
