1 1. What types of Nuclear / Radiological weapons could an emergency responder face? Emergency responders may encounter a wide range of nuclear weapons in case of a nuclear-related attack or accident. The types of nuclear weapons they could face include thermonuclear weapons, dirty bombs, and atomic bombs (Martellini & Malizia, 2017). All these weapons have a devastating effect on human, animal, and plant life, hence highly dangerous to rescuers due to their radioactive nature. 2. What types of Biological Weapons could an emergency responder face? Emergency responders can encounter biological weapons such as anthrax, hemorrhagic fever viruses, T-2 mycotoxin, ricin, botulinum toxin, plague, and staphylococcal enterotoxin B. The other biological weapons include agents that cause brucellosis, pneumonic plague, tularemia, Q fever, and glanders (Martellini & Malizia, 2017). In the case of biological weapons risk, the responders should understand the weapons used to ensure that they have the right protective measure in place.
2 3. What types of Chemical Weapons could an emergency responder face? The chemical weapons would include nitrogen mustard, sarin, lewisite, sulfur mustard, anticholinergic compounds, chlorine, phosgene, diphosgene, cyclohexylsarin, and cyanides. Broadly, these chemical weapons can be categorized into nerve agents, choking agents, incapacitating agents, vesicating agents, and cyanides. Chemical weapons have varying effects on the human body, depending on the type and concentration of chemicals used in manufacturing (Martellini & Malizia, 2017). For instance, mustard gas can lead to permanent eye damage, lung damage, and extreme skin burns and blisters. 4. What measures and technologies can be used to combat cyberterrorism? The commonly used tools for cryptography are Security Tokens, Key-Based Authentication, Docke Java Cryptography, SignTool, and Blockchain (Bock, 2021). Cryptography helps to conceal information so that only the intended user can see it, limiting the chances of attackers accessing and manipulating information stored in computers and digital systems. The technology involves employing an encryption algorithm to change plaintext to ciphertext. Cryptography offers passive defense against cyberterrorism by limiting the capabilities of cyber attackers to attack (Li et al., 2019). Encryption algorithms make it for attackers to access and manipulate information, underlining the success of the technology in preventing cyberattacks. Cryptography enhances the confidentiality of the information stored or in transit, preventing hacker circumvention. Cyberterrorism leverage the loopholes in protecting data to affect their attacks (Li et al., 2019). The technology also enhances the authentication and integrity of information by preventing the alteration of information stored or in transit. Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) is an example of cryptography used to protect sensitive data from
3 possible cyberterrorism (Li et al., 2019). AES uses longer key lengths to protect stored and transit information from brute force and various cyberattacks. What methods would you advocate to use? 5. There are a variety of new technologies available to combat cyberterrorism. Not all technologies have proven valid and reliable for use in the field. You are asked by your emergency manager to present options for consideration. What methods would you advocate to use? What methods would you advocate to avoid. Discuss. What methods would you advocate to use? In combating cyberterrorism, I would advocate for the use of installation of a firewall and cryptography tools. The firewall technology blocks any malicious attacks on the network and systems, preventing damage. Cyberterrorism is carried out online, making the firewall critical in detecting and blocking suspicious access to the network (Li et al., 2019). Nevertheless, the firewall alone is not enough to combat cyberattacks, hence the need to apply cryptography. What methods would you advocate to avoid? Methods to avoid when combating cybersecurity include the use of outdated systems to secure cyberspace. The old systems include encrypting technologies that existed before AES, antiviruses, and digital signatures (Li et al., 2019). Weak methods increase vulnerability to hackers' penetration and cyber-attacks. In this respect, methods for encrypting, antiviruses, and digital signatures should be based on the most recent advancements to stay ahead of hackers.
4 References Bock L. (2021). Modern cryptography for cybersecurity professionals: learn how you can use encryption to better secure your organization's data. Packt Publishing Limited. Li K.-C. Chen X. & Susilo W. (2019). Advances in cyber security: principles techniques and applications. Springer. Martellini M. & Malizia A. (2017). Cyber and chemical biological radiological nuclear explosives challenges: threats and counter efforts. Springer.