INFOCON (short for Information Operations Condition) is a threat level system in the United States similar to that of FPCON. It is a defense system based primarily on the status of information systems and is a method used by the military to defend against a computer network attack.
There are five levels of INFOCON, which recently changed to more closely correlate to DEFCON levels. They are:
- INFOCON 5 describes a situation where there is no apparent hostile activity against computer networks. Operational performance of all information systems is monitored, and password systems are used as a layer of protection.
- INFOCON 4 describes an increased risk of attack. Increased monitoring of all network activities is mandated, and all Department of Defense end users must make sure their systems are secure. Internet usage may be restricted to government sites only, and backing up files to removable media is ideal.
- INFOCON 3 describes when a risk has been identified. Security review on important systems is a priority, and the Computer Network Defense system's alertness is increased. All unclassified dial-up connections are disconnected.
- INFOCON 2 describes when an attack has taken place but the Computer Network Defense system is not at its highest alertness. Non-essential networks may be taken offline, and alternate methods of communication may be implemented.
- INFOCON 1 describes when attacks are taking place and the Computer Network Defense system is at maximum alertness. Any compromised systems are isolated from the rest of the network.
Famous quotes containing the words information, operations and/or condition:
“We hear a great deal of lamentation these days about writers having all taken themselves to the colleges and universities where they live decorously instead of going out and getting firsthand information about life. The fact is that anybody who has survived his childhood has enough information about life to last him the rest of his days.”
—Flannery O’Connor (1925–1964)
“There is a patent office at the seat of government of the universe, whose managers are as much interested in the dispersion of seeds as anybody at Washington can be, and their operations are infinitely more extensive and regular.”
—Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862)
“It is difficult to make our material condition better by the best law, but it is easy enough to ruin it by bad laws.”
—Theodore Roosevelt (1858–1919)