Federal Government Working Harder To Prevent Cyber Attacks
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - The United States is a prime target for cyber attacks and the federal officials say there are gaping holes in the government's defenses.
So much of what we do and how the country functions is online, so it's no surprise hackers want at it.
"They're knocking on the door of our systems for critical infrastructure, such as financial systems, transportation systems, and other aspects critical to our day-to-day functioning in America."
Jennifer Martinez, the technology policy reporter for Politico, says while groups like al-Qaeda have been focused on physical violence, Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano warns of cyber-jihad and cyber-terrorism.
The Department of Homeland Security says it's hiring more skilled good-guy hackers to deal with it and to fight against intellectual property theft, which poses an economic threat.
Reported by Ian Bush, KYW Newsradio
