Security systems at risk in terror war, says hacking expert
A leading IT security expert says one of the greatest terrorist threats to Britain lies in attacks on key computer systems.
The public should be on red alert for hackers seeking to cause havoc in IT systems.
Andrew Steet says more needs to be done to protect the computer systems of government, transport and public utilities.
The US Congress of Science has already met to discuss the dangerous implications, says Mr Steet, a partner at leading City consultants KPMG.
"Computers in government, transport, public utilities, air traffic control, road systems and police, indeed any number of key installations are vulnerable to attack," he said.
"We desperately need to check the computer security across the board. We are every bit as vulnerable as America."
Although any attempted hack would involve very high-tech knowledge he said many of the finest IT brains come from south Asia.
"If someone wants to get into your computer system then they will do it. It just takes time and patience," he said.
"Bank robbers used to say that there wasn't a safe that couldn't be cracked, given enough time.
"Now computer hackers say there isn't a computer system they can't hack into, given enough time."
