More and more articles have been showing up lately
concerning the cyber threat threatening the United States. Several key government officials have given
talks concerning the topic, including Leon Panetta and most recently Janet
Napolitano. Her concern as Homeland
Security Secretary is well warranted. According
Tony Romm, Napolitano's talk was one of many lately to stress the importance of
shoring up the nation's cyber defenses and infrastructure. She referenced the damage done by hurricane
Sandy and compared it to an attack that could just as easily wreak havoc on
our utilities. As of today, there are
still people without power and fuel shortages.
A group that had even moderate resources might be able to inflict far
worse damage in the US.
Romm notes that legislation is on tap to make cyber
security reforms, but he also says "stakeholders are less than optimistic
the chamber will pass a bill."
Hopefully now that Obama has been elected he will be more likely to
enact an executive order that will provide better security for our major
infrastructure. Even if some in the government
are not happy with Obama's progress, Napolitano feels the Obama administration
is committed to creating a more secure environment and is even "putting
money into cybersecurity." Let's hope this is true. After all, we are completely dependent on eletricity and gasoline. If a larger area was without power and fuel for weeks, it could be a horrible situation.
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