However, because of market pressures, commercial software and network computer developers rarely use engineering practices sufficient for the construction of highly secure and reliable computerized systems. As a result, faulty medical and avionics control systems have caused loss of life and property. The probability of a security breach or catastrophic software failure leading to further loss of life, environmental contamination, and widespread property damage is increasing proportional to the ever-increasing use of software to monitor and control complex systems. The problem of securing networks and systems has grown substantially over the past few years, largely because of the increased connectivity and interdependence of networked sites. Networked computers are used for electronic commerce on a mass scale and projections for the future indicate that the growth trends of the last years are continuing.
Applications range from banking and stock trading to home shopping.
The importance of protecting the nation's critical infrastructures has been emphasized by recent orchestrated attacks on Pentagon, Army and CIA computers. In his commencement address to the US Naval Academy, President Clinton said the nation is increasingly vulnerable to cyber-attacks and specifically pointed out the ongoing threat to banking and finance. Recognizing that these weak points in our infrastructure are potential targets for terrorism, the United States has recently increased its counter-terrorism efforts in the realm of computer security and survivability. There is a regional and national need for research and education in this critical field to improve the security of computer systems and the communication infrastructures and to train those who will manage these systems. The Center for Secure and Dependable Software is a research unit of the Department of Computer Science in the College of Engineering at the University of Idaho.