US gears up for possible cyber attacks

United States Defence Secretary Leon Panetta says there is intelligence to show that foreign actors are planning to launch cyber attacks on control systems across the utilities, industry and transport sectors.

Panetta warns that these cyber-attacks could inflict as much damage on the United States as the terrorist attacks of 9/11.

In a speech to business leaders yesterday, he said an extremist group could gain control of switches that could derail passenger trains or contaminate the water supply in major cities.

However, Panetta says the US has already begun taking steps to take pre-emptive action if a serious cyber attack was imminent.

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