Will the Next Terrorist Attack Be Delivered Via Cyberspace?

Many security experts fear that the next big terrorist strike against the United States might be on — and through — the Internet and other vital interconnected computer networks. And the suspected attacks won't just deny Net surfers access to their favorite Web site or increase the risk of damaging computer viruses through e-mail. Rather, experts say the next cyber attack could actually lead to physical damage to real-world targets. For example, terrorists might decide to take out the nation's telecommunication networks by modifying the software of computers that control the switching network. Or, they might work their way into the digital software systems that help air traffic controllers guide the thousands of planes that fly over U.S. cities. Over the last two years, the number of computers added to the Internet has more than doubled from 71 million to more than 146 million.