BBC Thursday, 11 October, 2001, 09:10 GMT 10:10 UK

Doomsday warning of terror cyber-attacks By BBC News Online's Alfred Hermida

Computer experts have painted a chilling picture of the potential threat from a combined terror and cyber-attack on the United States.

They told Congress that terrorists could target computer networks critical to power supplies, telecommunications and financial systems and wreak havoc on the country.

Fears of a cyber-assault on the US have been heightened following the 11 September attacks.

President Bush has already moved to head off any danger by appointing a computer security veteran as special White House advisor for cyberspace security.

'Beyond frightening'

Speaking before the House Science Committee, computer security expert Terry Benzel said the potential for an attack on America's computer networks was "beyond frightening".

"What if the terrorists were also able to impact our communications system, thus hampering the rescue and recovery efforts?" asked Ms Benzel, vice president of computer security firm Network Associates.

"What if the attackers were able to compromise systems monitoring the water supply for Manhattan? What if power to parts of the northeast corridor could have been brought down through a cyber-attack on key systems?

"We must prepare now to prevent this from happening," she urged.

Her fears were echoed by committee chairman Sherwood Boehlert. He warned that research and development on computer security had not kept pace with the threat.

"To put it simply, we need more people to be doing more creative thinking about computer security. That's what our adversaries are doing," he said.

Vulnerable networks

An official report released the day after the September attacks highlighted the vulnerability of America's computer networks.

"Recent reports and events indicate that these efforts are not keeping pace with the growing threats and that critical operations and assets continue to be highly vulnerable to computer-based attacks," said the US Government report.

"Despite the importance of maintaining the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of important federal computerised operations, federal computer systems are riddled with weaknesses that continue to put critical operations and assets at risk," it said.

Experts have been warning for some time about what has been described as an Electronic Pearl Harbour - a computer-based attack that would cause massive amounts of destruction and loss of life.

In a worst-case scenario, such an attack would target power distribution, financial services, emergency call services and air traffic control systems.

Shortly after the shocking events of 11 September, an influential US thinktank warned that cyber-attacks could become part of any future conflict.

'Nuisance attacks'

"The vast majority of previous politically related cyber-attacks have been nuisance attacks, and it is extremely likely that such attacks will follow any US-led military action," said the report by the US-based Institute for Security Technology Studies.

"The potential exists for much more devastating cyber-attacks following any US-led retaliation to the 11 September terrorist attacks on America. Such an attack could significantly debilitate US and allied information networks".

The Bush administration has acted to address the issue with the appointment of Richard Clarke as special White House advisor for cyberspace security.

Mr Clarke has a long record in counter-terrorism and cyber-security, most recently serving as national co-ordinator for security, infrastructure protection and counter-terrorism on the National Security Council.

But some are sceptical about the idea of dramatic assault on computer networks in the US. Computer security expert Richard Forno said cyber-attacks were more of a nuisance than viable terrorist tactics, warning against any knee-jerk measures.

-- Anonymous, October 11, 2001

Answers

Something just isn't right here. In reading this article, you would think the preparations for the potential problems that would have effected the US for Y2K didn't happen. The same threats were there to our security, terrorism, the entire communication networks (including military), our grid going down, nuclear plants, water, etc, etc.

Yes, I know we are in a war now and the US has been attacked by the terrorist flying planes into the Twin Towers and the Pentagon but, the above article is pointing to problems in which I thought had at least been addressed before the year 2000. If we didn't get the job done, we have had almost two years since then to wrap up what we didn't have time to do.

I am not saying these things don't need to be done, I am stunned to see what HASN'T been done... when we knew, talked about at nauseum what the threats were and was told by the government and others all the effort and money that were put into the solving of this. I am not a naive person who only relies on the powers that be to take care of me, in the event of disaster and didn't and don't believe everything I hear.

This reminds me of a saying that an insurance company has with the hands held out, saying your in good hands with... and then when there is a disaster.... I am thankful President Bush is in office now with his strong leadership.

Maggie

-- Anonymous, October 11, 2001

Just speaking from a local perspective, Maggie, in some quarters, computer security is much better than it was pre-rollover and embedded chip problems have been addressed. In other quarters, there are still the Fix Only When Necessary people, just as there are people who maintain their cars and do preventative maintenance and those who wait until they're stranded at the side of the road before doing anything.

I switched banks because the upper tier of management at my former bank could frequently be found flagging down help from the side of the road.

-- Anonymous, October 11, 2001

I remember that insurance ad jingle. Allstate I think.

We have State Farm. I'll give you our opinion when it's all done. right now we love State Farm!

btw, we had to change rooms at this hotel. The one we had before had a few problems. shower head fell off and then hardly any water came thru it, the a/c was soaking the carpet and we couldn't get to the door without shoes [you know me...] and when the lights were on little flying ants would appear and land on everything. most annoying during meals.

we have a slightly larger room now. there is a special desk for my computer, and a chair for my rear! All the lights work, the shower works, and the carpet is dry! Plus there is a chair along with the sofa bed.

if you like, I can draw it. heh heh

I'm going to work tonight. should be interesting, right? I hope I can stay awake...been up since 530 am.

-- Anonymous, October 11, 2001

Meemur,

I understand what you are saying but, from the sounds of the article we are in deep shi* because of those of who did not take care of business. As you said, you look at the TOP of the organization (in this case I'm thinking past "leadership") to see how they did NOT ,IMO, do enough to protect the safety of the American people during a time of crisis. They knew the potential dangers. To say I am stunned is an understatement.

Barefoot,

Yep, that's the one with the hands held out in the commercial. IMHO, after the quake in California, they hired adjusters that took four of the five fingers and bent them back and left one finger pointing at you! One thing I did, was not wait for them to find us another place to stay, I found the best place in town and rented a room, until a suite was available and took that sucker. They couldn't say a word about the cost of it...because of the type of policy that we had. They had really pushed me to the point of me fighting back with all I had. They wanted to put us in another town away from the doctors and hospital my husband needed to go to for treatment.

A friend and neighbor, had the same insurance company you have and was treated with respect... along with prompt and helpful service. I'm glad you are in a more suitable place now.

No, that's okay Barefoot, I'll pass on the picture. :^) Save your energy for work tonight, because it sounds like from you not getting enough sleep, you will need it. Take care of yourself.

-- Anonymous, October 11, 2001