Securing US Computer Networks

In a report issued before the House of Representatives, computer security experts determined that the United States currently does not have the resources or technology to counter an online attack by a terrorist group or foreign country. In the testimony, they stated that the United States Computer Emergency Readiness Team did not fully address 15 cyber warnings as of July 2008. The report also suggests 12 important strategy improvements that will enhance the security of United States Networks. It concludes that “Until GAO’s recommendations are fully addressed and the above improvements are considered, our nation’s federal and private-sector infrastructure systems remain at risk of not being adequately protected.”

This report is significant for the security of the United States. If these warnings are not addressed, terrorists may be able to attack United States networks. Foreign nations have even obtained significant data about electrical grids in the United States and could use this information combined with the security flaws to cripple electrical power, which would devastate the economy of the United States.