Educating engineers: Information vulnerabilities and security

Civil engineers are increasingly adopting computer and communications syste ms to conduct business. Engineering relies on computer-aided design, simula tion, project management software, electronic funds transfers, automated co ntrol processes, satellite communications, geographic information systems, electronic mail, and digital records. The transformation of engineering by information technology holds out much promise in revolutionizing the way en gineers do business. However, the technological progress also introduces vu lnerabilities that threaten engineering enterprises. Aside from the touted Y2K threats, competitors, criminals, and disgruntled employees threaten our computerized information systems. This paper examines the role of civil en gineers in this contemporary information age by identifying trends in the u se of computer and communications systems, examining vulnerabilities of the se systems, and providing insights for protection. To be truly effective, i nformation defense must begin at the root level-in each engineering organiz ation.