There are good reasons to be concerned (Score 1)

Just so everyone knows where I am coming from, I define cyber terrorism as: Cyber terrorism is a premeditated, politically motivated criminal act by sub-national groups or clandestine agents against information and computer systems, computer programs, and data that result in physical violence where the intended purpose is to create fear in non-combatant targets. This means that just defacing a website is not cyber terrorism, nor is shutting off the lights unless someone is physically injured. Any other definition enlarges computer crime in the name of terrorism. We need to stay focused so we do not simple turn everyone or every computer incident into a terrorist attack. There are several primary areas of concern for cyber terrorism. These are: 1. The ability to gather intelligence on potential targets by breaking into systems. This includes family histories, medical conditions, credit, travel schedules, political and religious affiliations, and even enough information to assume a person's identity. Ramzi Tousef was the mastermind behind the 1993 World Trade Center bombing. He came to the US as Ramzi and left on a different passport as Abdel Basit. Target intelligence is no small matter in skilled hands with significant resources. 2. Modify existing electronic records or databases that have a direct outcome such as a high profile target's blood type before a major operation, vaccination or allergy histories, and the like. This also includes the removal of people on airport watch lists before a hijacking. 3. Much of our economic infrastructure is controlled by SCADA systems. This includes our railroads, water treatment facilities, electrical generation and distribution, as well as simple traffic systems. The man power needed to run these facilities would be enormous without SCADA systems as control of these facilities involve great geographic distances. Breaches of SCADA systems have huge secondary ramifications to health and safety. Believe what you like about all the hype about cyber terrorism. The real issue is implementing protective measures against these types of attacks and protecting people from harm. Let's stop the drumbeat about cyber terrorism and start doing something about securing our information infrastructures. With Kind Regards, Dr. Andrew M. Colarik, AndrewColarik.com