Cyber Espionage: A New Concept to Many

Hersh, Seymour. “Annals of National Security: The Online Threat.” The New Yorker. November 1, 2010. Web. February 25, 2011.

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The National Security Agency, better known as N.S.A., is a government agency that helps to protect America from outside threats. Seymour Hersh writes about one of these threats that is not often thought about much, the possibility of a cyber-war. In his article, Annals of National Security: The Online Threat, Hersh explores the possibilities and likeliness of a cyber-war ever breaking out and ultimately portrays the feeling that he is not worried about it. He conveys his point of view as a normal American citizen who has just thought about the issue sensibly. He attempts to send a message to the audience that says we are confused as to what cyber war actually is. Hersh successfully does this by the use of several examples involving what is actually called cyber espionage rather than it’s mislabel of cyber war. He then moves into the topic of cyber espionage and begins to describe it as something that is completely unwanted, yet almost impossible to defend against. He quotes people in his article that say the only way that agencies like the N.S.A. could improve defense techniques would be to take away some of our online privacy. He displays his disgust for one of these plans that would take away our privacy, the clipper chip.

Reading this article by Hersh gives the audience an interesting point of view because it clears up some of the misconceptions of online dangers and allows them to focus on the realistic issues within the internet. This can help to better answer the research question at hand because it allows readers to think more logically, rather than thinking with their fear. Cyber war and Cyber espionage are two completely different issues, and once the reader understands the difference and the little possibility of cyber warfare, they are able actually think about the issue more. Cyber espionage is certainly a real threat that is unwanted, but the audience shouldn’t be as frightened of its consequences as they would be of cyber warfare, therefore they can think about what they would rather have; protection or privacy. By reading the article, the audience can have full understanding of the policing of online communications that would be possible if the government protects us from the cyber threats. On the other hand, the audience can also understand all of the threats that could be better defended. The article really equips the audience with supporting information to pick a side, but seeing as everyone has different beliefs and morals the article may seem to be stressing a certain side to one reader while it stresses a completely different side to another reader.