Cyber Threats to U.S. Business Grow More Dangerous Reuters (05/14/06) Rothstein, Joel
Scott Borg, director of the Cyber Consequences Unit (CCU), says attacks on U.S. computer networks are becoming more dangerous and could lead to the destruction of companies or even death. The CCU, which is funded by the Homeland Security Department, is trying to figure out how to prevent attacks in regards to plans to cause power blackouts, plots to tamper with pharmaceutical products, or schemes to reprogram machinery to build dangerously defective products. "Up to now, executives and network professionals have been worrying about what adolescents and petty criminals have been doing," said Borg. "They need to start worrying about what grown-ups could do." Some potential attacks may include shutting down computer systems for several days, changing specifications at automobile plants that may cause cars to explode, and tampering with medical data. The CCU uses its resources to figure out how technology can be used to harm the United States by holding cybersecurity classes for U.S. companies, and investigating attacks on computer systems. After consulting with banks, manufacturers, and other industries, the CCU created a security checklist for companies that identifies 16 potential methods of attack. Click Here to View Full Article
