The Information Security community is divided over the scope of the threat of electronic attacks against the nation?s critical infrastructure. This debate is evidenced in the opposing viewpoints of Scott Borg, director of the US Cyber Consequences Unit, and Howard Schmidt , the former White House cybersecurity adviser.

Borg takes the position that organized crime, terrorist groups, and computer hackers will eventually combine their talents and interests to carry out a major digital assault. His position is not a lonely one, as other notable figures, such as former counter-terrorism ?czar? Richard Clarke , have warned about the potential of a ?digital Pearl Harbor?. While there are elements of truth in Borg?s position, his argument must not be taken at face value. Principally, it may be true that there is evidence of organized crime hiring virus writer to carry out focused ?spear phishing? attacks (WAR Report). However, the skills required to attack components of the nation’s critical infrastructure are more complex than the skill required to carry out a phishing attack.