Study: Federal Web sites protect critical information

Federal government Web sites do not provide significant information that could aid terrorists who are seeking potential targets in the United States, according to a study released last week by RAND, a nonprofit research organization based in Santa Monica, Calif.

The study noted that in the wake of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, federal officials have attempted to restrict the availability of sensitive information.

"Of particular concern to U.S. officials are federal sources of geospatial information … useful for identifying various geographical features of U.S. locations and facilities, as well as characterizing their important attributes," the report stated. "Although federal agencies produce and publicly disseminate such information for a wide range of beneficial purposes, the risk also exists that some types of geospatial information could be exploited by terrorists."

Geospatial information includes maps and nautical charts, aerial images and satellite photographs, geographic databases, as well as information on transportation infrastructure, military facilities and natural landmarks.

The report concluded that terrorists plotting against the United States have multiple options for collecting information, and they will most likely not turn to the federal government.

"Given this degree of flexibility, publicly accessible geospatial information is probably not the first choice for fulfilling these needs," the report said. "Potential attackers, such as terrorist groups or hostile governments, are more likely to desire more reliable and timely information … such as through direct access or observation."

The study surveyed 629 federal Web sites and information sources and found that less than 1 percent contained unique geospatial information that could potentially aid a terrorist attack. No publicly available information was found to provide "critical" information that attackers would absolutely require. In fact, the report also surveyed 300 nonfederal geospatial information sources, and found as much or more information available.

The study's authors recommended, however, that federal officials collaborate with state and local governments to build a standardized process for evaluating the risks associated with publicly available facility information.

"Our study suggests that decision-makers need to use an analytical process for identifying sensitive geospatial information because no 'one-size-fits-all' set of guidelines is likely to work," said John Baker, the RAND technology policy analyst who led the effort.