The “Love Bug” computer virus, which affected many of the world’s email networks in a matter of hours, was just a glimpse into what the future may have in store. It was not the first malady of its kind to spread electronically around the globe. Denial-of-service attacks temporarily halted business at electronic commerce such as Yahoo!, Amazon.com, and E-Trade. The tools needed to cause cyber havoc have become more sophisticated, easier to use, and more widespread, making it easier to mount a cyber attack. The ability to network has far outpaced the ability to protect networks. Modern society is dependent on critical infrastructures such as telecommunications, electric power, health services, banking and finance, transportation, and defense systems. These systems are increasingly interdependent on one another, and damage to one can potentially cascade and impact others -- with single-point failures being of greatest concern. Currently at least 10 countries possess offensive information warfare capabilities comparable to the United States. There is evidence that some nations are engaged in sophisticated espionage campaigns and are mapping critical nodes and assets by doing reconnaissance on U.S. networks. A comprehensive information assurance strategy requires a three-pronged approach centered on policy, technology, and people. Underpinning this must be education, training, and awareness, and superseding it must be leadership. The Partnership for Critical Infrastructure Security brings together over 100 leading corporations and various Federal agencies to address the problem of infrastructure assurance. 10 endnotes