It is found, however, in the middle of a paragraph in the middle of a discussion of technology. The importance of these institutions indisputably makes NII security a vital national interest. Yet the private sector operates these critical infrastructure components. There is, to be sure, some government regulation, but essential operations are controlled by the private sector. While nothing in the report directly suggests otherwise, this will also be true for NII security.
Security needs in other areas are the responsibility of the private sector.
This ranges from basic locked doors to sophisticated protections for high risk activities. This pattern must be followed for the NII, where security devices include encryption, digital signatures, and authentication. In an era of rapidly changing technology, reliance on the private sector is essential because of the budgetary and bureaucratic limitations of government. Not all needed security measures have been invented, but the private sector should be allowed the opportunity to develop products and services to meet the needs of users. The government in its role as user and as educator can help to define those needs.