Accidents and natural hazards are considered what type of threat to DoD cyberspace?

Accidents and natural hazards in the context of the Department of Defense (DoD) cyberspace are categorized as both accidental and natural threats because they encompass a broad range of events that can compromise cyberspace operations. Accidental threats refer to incidents that occur due to human error or unforeseen circumstances, leading to disruptions or vulnerabilities in cyber systems. For example, misconfiguring a firewall or accidentally exposing sensitive data are considered accidental threats.

On the other hand, natural threats can arise from events such as earthquakes, floods, or severe weather, which can damage physical infrastructure, including data centers and communication systems, thereby impacting cyberspace capabilities.

Understanding that these threats can arise from both human actions and natural phenomena is critical for developing comprehensive strategies for mission assurance within the DoD's cybersecurity framework. This dual classification emphasizes the necessity of preparing for a wide range of potential scenarios that could impact mission readiness and operational effectiveness.