Abstract
D.Phil.(Computer Science)
In this thesis we will investigate the development of Critical Information Infrastructure
Protection (CIIP) structures in the developing world. Developing regions
are experiencing fast-paced development of information infrastructures, and improvements
in related technologies such as Internet connectivity and wireless technologies.
The use of these new technologies and the number of new users that are
introduced to the Internet can allow cyber threats to flourish.
In many cases, Computer Security Incident Response Teams (CSIRTs) can be
used to provide CIIP. However, the development of traditional CSIRT-like structures
can be problematic in developing regions where technological challenges,
legal frameworks, and limited capacity can reduce its overall effectiveness.
In this thesis we will introduce the Community-oriented Security, Advisory
and Warning (C-SAW) Team. This model is designed to address the challenges
to CIIP faced by developing regions by defining a structure that is loosely-coupled
and flexible in nature. Furthermore, the aspect of community-orientation is used
to allow a C-SAW Team to operate within a designated community of members.
This thesis is divided into three primary parts. In Part 1 we will discuss the
background research undertaken during this study. The background chapters will
lay the foundation for the later chapters in this thesis. In Part 2 we will introduce
the C-SAW Team model and elaborate on the construction, relationships, positioning,
services, and framework in which it can be deployed. Finally, in Part 3 we
present our conclusions to this thesis.