The Under-rated Internet Cables

     In the article, A Vulnerable Network: Undersea Internet Cable Attacks by Tony M. Damico, it is shown than it is necessary to improve the security of the internet cables lying in the ocean.  This is done by compiling mass amounts of information and is written in a way as to make the reader aware of the importance of the internet cables and how much protection is needed.
     Damico begins with stating that there have been attacks on internet cables and uses the quote  “During the height of the disruption, some 70 percent of the Egyptian Internet was down” to keep the readers interest. Damico then uses more findings to show the devastating effects of the attacks.  Damico also shows that there have been more than one attacks. It is then discussed how easy it is to commit such attacks and he expresses how he believes it can be stopped.  He suggests that people realize the importance of the internet cables, and that measures be taken in order to secure them in order to prevent a future disaster.  Damico also points out that there are other ways if obtaining internet use-the satellite system-but reveals that only a small amount is transmitted in that way and that attacks on the internet cables will provide devastating results.
     Although discussing a complex subject and including research in the work, Damico uses simplistic words in order for the readers to fully understand him.  With the topic being the protection of internet cables, he is trying to get the attention of regular internet users.  At the same time, he makes his findings clear for all to understand.  When introducing the topic, Damico starts off without any background information about what internet cables are.  Although this may leave some readers confused, it may drag them in, for the first sentence is "Multiple undersea internet cables were mysteriously severed and subsequently gained significant attention in the beginning of 2008."  The mystery attack is good enough to grab the attention of the average reader.  In order to avoid confusion, internet cables are used in examples to show their purpose (for those who may not realize their function).  Although this may not be that different for some of you-and perhaps not important-I find it interesting because it goes against my literary teachings.  The format I was taught was the Shaffer format and I was more or less told that any good essay would be in that format.  Shaffer format contains an introduction, three body paragraphs, and a conclusion.  In the body paragraphs, there would be eight sentences.  Between the topic and conclusion sentences, there would be a fact, followed by two opinions that further explain or support the fact.  In this essay, Damico writes in a different fashion.  As more or less a research paper, Damico follows his own mind set, and sets up the essay in a way he believes will catch the reader, and make them understand the most.  If I had attempted such a thing I would have received an F on my paper.  Overall, his writing style was quite different and was the right type for the job.