Senator: Agencies not ready for millennium cyberterrorism

Federal agencies are ready for Y2K disruptions, but are not prepared to deal with the threat of millennium cyberterrorism, Sen. Robert F. Bennett, R-Utah, concluded Thursday at a "virtual hearing" on Year 2000-related emergencies.

While agencies have worked hard to prepare for more common Y2K threats, such as disruption of essential services, they have not developed a long-term strategy addressing cyberterrorism and information warfare, Bennett said.

"Government can't solve the problem of computer systems' vulnerability, but it can coordinate and facilitate reconstitution and recovery" he said.

The "hearing" was held at the Web site of the Senate Special Committee on the Year 2000 Technology Problem. It consisted of a series of statements from various witnesses.

Ellen M. Gordon, former president of the National Emergency Management Association, testified that emergency management efforts are focused on public health and safety and public overreaction.

Lacy E. Suiter, the executive associate director for response and recovery at the Federal Emergency Management Agency, testified that FEMA's role in Y2K does not include preventing or responding to computer disruptions.

"FEMA does not have the authority or the technical expertise for those types of missions," Suiter said.

Still, the overall state of emergency management is good, Bennett said, thanks to the efforts FEMA has made in outreach and training. "FEMA deserves praise for its efforts in ensuring the viability of the emergency preparedness network beyond January 1, 2000," he said.