It is unlikely that Americans will ever again see commercial jets crashing into skyscrapers, piloted by terrorists. But Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano believes that malicious computer code generated by groups like al Qaeda are just as big a
threat to the security and stability of the nation.
Does that mean that we are at war with cyberterrorists? Napolitano doesn't go that far -- she uses the term "cybercrime," as do a number of cybersecurity experts.
Still, the damage worldwide is headed toward a half-trillion dollars a year. Napolitano, in a
speech May 30 to business leaders and government officials, said that besides "al Qaeda and al Qaeda-related groups," cybercrime is, "the greatest threat and actual activity that we have seen aimed at the west and at the United States. Unfortunately, it is a growth arena."
