*EPF305 02/13/2002
Congressional Report: Sen. Edwards on Cybersecurity
(Introduced bill to strengthen security against terrorist attacks) (470)

SENATOR EDWARDS INTRODUCES CYBERTERRORISM LEGISLATION

Senator John Edwards (Democrat-North Carolina) recently introduced legislation to strengthen cybersecurity against terrorist attacks.

"We live in a world where a terrorist can do as much damage with a keyboard and a modem as with a gun or a bomb," said Senator Edwards.

There are actually two pieces of legislation: The Cyberterrorism Preparedness Act (S. 1900) would "bring together government, academic, and private sector experts to promote the best computer security methods." A complementary bill, the Cybersecurity Research and Education Act (S. 1901) "would train a new workforce to protect America from cyberterrorist threats."

The legislation is based on a number of past incidents that have displayed the vulnerability of cybersecurity, including "cyberjihad" by a group called Gforce Pakistan, a NATO computer system shutdown by "email bombs", and the loss of more than $10 billion by American companies due to the last four major computer viruses.

"Unless checked," Edward says, "cyberterrorists could shut down power grids, intercept financial transfers or disrupt military command systems."

Following is the text of the Edwards statement provided by FedTechnology.com:

(begin text of February 12 from FedTechnology.com)

Senator John Edwards (D-North Carolina) recently introduced legislation intended to create additional safeguards against cyberterrorism. "We live in a world where a terrorist can do as much damage with a keyboard and a modem as with a gun or a bomb," Senator Edwards said.

The Cyberterrorism Preparedness Act (S. 1900) would bring together government, academic and private sector experts to promote the best computer security methods, such as strengthened password protections and high-tech tools to block destructive worms. Continually updated, the measures initially would apply to federal departments and agencies. The safeguards later could apply to federal contractors and grant recipients, and eventually serve as models for the nation.

A companion bill, the Cybersecurity Research and Education Act (S. 1901), would train a new workforce to protect America from cyberterrorist threats. The bill also would encourage researchers to share their knowledge on an Internet information clearinghouse. Introduction of the legislation was prompted by a number of incidents highlighting the vulnerability of computer systems, says Edwards. For instance, a group called Gforce Pakistan last fall commandeered the Defense Department's web pages to declare a "cyberjihad" against America. That and other computer attacks reveal that they can be both costly and dangerous.

During the war in Kosovo, NATO's computer system was shut down with "e-mail bombs." An Australian recently hacked into a computerized waste management system and dumped millions of gallons of raw sewage on Queensland parks and rivers. The last four major computer viruses cost American companies more than $10 billion. Unless checked, cyberterrorists could shut down power grids, intercept financial transfers or disrupt military commad systems, Edwards says.

(end FedTechnology.com text of Feb. 12)

(Distributed by the Office of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)

Return to Public File Main Page

Return to Public Table of Contents