This site contains information about a variety of computer security issues, products, and research of concern to Federal agencies, industry, and users. This site is operated and maintained by NIST's Computer Security Division as a service to the computer security and IT community. In its early days, the Internet was the domain of academics and researchers. Its goal was to maximize communication, connectedness and collaboration, and to minimize barriers that would detract from the realization of those goals. By the late 1980s, it became apparent that some individuals were abusing the capabilities of the Internet and were reading or changing information they shouldn't, and even deliberately causing some Internet services to fail.
Security continues to be a major concern in today's Internet.
Fundamental changes to improve the security of basic Internet services have been slow in their development. Our site has changed , with a new look and a streamlined organization. We hope that this version of the site is easier to use. However, if you're having problems, see the site map and search pages. We'd appreciate hearing your comments or suggestions .