Bob Kerrey: “In today's information age, the threat of electronic attack is more likely than a nuclear attack. Words such as…”

“In today's information age, the threat of electronic attack is more likely than a nuclear attack. Words such as 'cyber-terrorism' and 'hackers' have crept into everyday talk, no longer confined to the world of computer nerds and geeks. Despite being one of the most technologically-advanced countries in the world, United States technology is not capable of keeping intruders out and secrets in. Flaws have been found in the computer systems of the Pentagon, IRS, bank networks, utility companies, and telecommunications providers, among others, making all of them vulnerable to attack. The question, then, is what can we do as a country to protect both the government and industries from electronic attack? I believe we need to start early to equip more people with technological skills needed to build and maintain secure information technology networks. Today, along with my good friend Senator Roberts from Kansas, I am pleased to be introducing legislation that will do just that.”