Network World_FBI director targets the Internet's top dangers (November 7)

07.11.2007

The Internet's dark side and the growing threat of nefarious attack via the 'Net were the central themes of a pointed cyber security speech by the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Director Robert Mueller yesterday at The Pennsylvania State University.

"If we lose the Internet, we do not simply lose the ability to e-mail or to surf the Web. We lose access to our data. We lose our connectivity. We lose our intellectual property. We lose our security. What happens when the so-called 'Invisible Man' locks us out of our own homes, our offices, and our information?" Mueller said. "The threat is not limited to hackers on the outside. Insiders present a significant problem. Contractors may take the appropriate security measures, but what about those with whom they subcontract and their subs? And what of those who take advantage of open access to research and development facilities on campuses such as this?"

The FBI's chief made a number of dark points:

Estonia: "The Internet is not only the means by which attacks may be planned and executed, it is a target in and of itself. Last April, Estonia suffered what has been called a "cyber blockade." Wave after wave of data requests from computers around the world shut down banks and emergency phone lines, gas stations and grocery stores, newspapers and television stations, even the prime minister's office. Although the source of this attack has not been confirmed, the effect was real, and left all of us aware of the potential risk we face. How long before others around the world begin to employ similar tactics?"

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