Increasing Cybersecurity Risks Targeting Government Network Systems

Government and private computer networks are facing new threats of terrorist attacks, ranging from an attempt to bring havoc to a major city to nationwide disruptions of finances, transportation and utilities. But people with knowledge of national intelligence briefings say little has been done to protect against a cyberattack. . . . Government and private computer networks are facing new threats of terrorist attacks, ranging from an attempt to bring havoc to a major city to nationwide disruptions of finances, transportation and utilities. But people with knowledge of national intelligence briefings say little has been done to protect against a cyberattack.

Some of the threats come from individuals who might have connections to Osama bin Laden's al-Qaeda network in Pakistan and elsewhere, those who have been briefed say.

The specific threats, in part, prompted a meeting April 18 of government intelligence and information-technology officials to discuss protecting the nation's computer networks.

"This threat is growing," Sen. Jon Kyl, R-Ariz., says. "It's a big threat, because it is easy to do and can cause great harm."

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