Repercussions of computer terrorism equal to physical attack on infrastructure
While people may brush this revelation aside, claiming that nothing truly devastating to the population could result from computer hacking, this is far from the case. Hacking groups such as Anonymous have executed attacks all over the world that leave people uneasy about the skill of hackers. Attacks like these have the potential to cause large-scale damage not only to government agencies but to the general public as well. Hackers have the capability to alter results of elections, cause severe economic damage, shut off electrical grids and access public transportation. James A. Lewis, a specialist at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, said, “You can destroy physical infrastructure with a cyberattack just like you could with a bomb.”
Politicians and activists across the nation constantly battle about issues relating to national security ranging from terrorism to military ventures. Hackers are frequently located in other countries, many of which are exploring U.S. computer networks as they become increasingly proficient in technological advancements. It is evident from the reports that the United States is not currently producing an adequate level of protection from hackers. Cyber security is a real issue that marks yet another aspect of American vulnerability.
Luckily, the threat is one that the president and a number of senators believe deserves substantial attention. A bill has recently been proposed to help ensure that the Homeland Security Department has the authority to regulate security standards for companies that control the nation’s infrastructure. This would allow the federal government to have more power to put stronger measures of security into place for crucial businesses. The bill has sizeable backing and is a step in the right direction for improving cybersecurity. However, the way U.S. security is divided among the various branches, including the CIA, the National Security Agency (NSA) and FBI, makes it challenging to establish a manner in which this legislation can operate under the existing division of power.
National security is a topic that can capture the attention of nearly all citizens. It is difficult to predict how people will respond to the increased threat of hacking. Will companies and their employees accept further government control for the sake of safety? Or will people conclude that this threat has little gravity until an actual incident occurs? It is my hope that politicians and citizens alike can agree to take preventive measures to ward off the potential danger of future cyberattacks.
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