Addressing new security and privacy challenges

Now that Y2K is behind us, IT professionals have been tempted to rest on their laurels particularly because the economic recession has significantly slowed spending on IT equipment and services. However, the tragic events of 11 September and a series of serious worms and denial-of-service attacks should serve as an urgent wake-up call that society is indeed vulnerable to threats against critical infrastructure. These critical systems include those for telecommunications, transportation, energy, banking and finance, government, and emergency services systems vital to the world's normal functioning and well being. Incapacitating any one or multiple portions of these infrastructures could compromise economies and public safety.