Cyberterrorists
are plotting all manner of heinous attacks that if successful could "destabilize and
eventually destroy targeted states and societies," according to a gloomy new report
from the Center for Strategic and International Studies. The report, which offers
recommendations for averting cyberwarfare, has in its introduction alone enough dire news
to make the year 2000 computer glitch seem like a minute blip on the worry scale.
Consider this: "Information warfare specialists at the Pentagon estimate that a properly prepared and well-coordinated attack by fewer than 30 computer virtuosos strategically located around the world, with a budget of less than $10 million, could bring the United States to its knees."
"Such a strategic attack, mounted by a cyberterrorist group … would shut down everything from electric power grids to air traffic control centers. A combination of cyberweapons, poison gas, and even nuclear devices could produce a global Waterloo for the United States."
For those who believe U.S. intelligence and law enforcement agencies have a handle on the threat of cyberterrorism, consider this: "In fact, law enforcement's electronic capabilities are from 5 to 10 years behind the transnational crime curve."
With that comforting thought in mind, the report notes, "Cyberterrorists, acting for rogue states or groups that have declared holy war against the United States, are known to be plotting America's demise as a superpower."