The United States is not defenseless in the face of illicitexploitation of computer networks. Both the government and theprivate sector have developed significant capabilities. Effectivelycombating enemies online will require a concerted national effort,particularly in acquiring commercial capabilities and services,managing military intelligence and information technology programs,and developing a corps of professional national securitypractitioners.
American leaders have emphasized the need to improve performance inscience, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education. Instead of focusing on federal solutions and increasing federalspending policymakers and the private sector should refocusattention on systemic education reforms at the state, local, andschool levels to dramatically increase the number of students whosucceed in STEM fields at school and in the workforce.