Put yourself in the shoes of the Illinois Statewide Terroris

Put yourself in the shoes of the Illinois Statewide Terrorism and Intelligence Center analysts who have just learned about the pump incident at the Curran-Gardner water plant. What has prompted the need for the analysis? What is the key question that needs to be answered? What caused the pump to fail? Why is this issue important, and how can analysis make a meaningful contribution?

Solution

Taking into consideration the above mentioned scenario, the need for analysis is there because a breach of cyber security was suspected in context of the US assets and that it was assumed that this was the work of foreign hackers.

The question which needs to be answered is to detect the precise source of the accident and whether the existing infrastructure, the protection system is robust and is in place or not for execution and managing of the essential functions, activities. A well-structured, efficient mechanism needs to be there to keep a check on intrusions such as cyber or any other kind. The process aligned to the control systems should be well formulated and prepared to counter various types of threats.

The failure of pump was because of burning out primarily. and it was by mistake considered a cyber-attack. This was due to lack of a detailed investigation which was not conducted in the initial stages.

This issue is relevant and needs to be assessed because it helps in understanding the specific case in a wholesome manner. Besides it underscores the importance of the point that we can’t rush into conclusions in an arbitrary manner unless we have concrete, substantial evidence to justify it with commensurate facts and figures.

An analysis on the particular issue would add value significantly as it would give an insight into the details related to the incident. The overview would help in having a holistic understanding of the different aspects related to the pump issue and its resulting breakdown which occurred. It would help in deducing a near fool proof mechanism to prevent similar incidents happening in the future. Also It highlights the need of better co-ordination among the concerned stakeholders in the intelligence agencies to ensure better security at all levels.