Retiring Rep. Norm Dicks Warns of 'Cyber 9/11'

Retiring Rep. Norm Dicks Warns of 'Cyber 9/11'

As he retires from Congress, Norm Dicks is warning that America is vulnerable to a cyberattack that could shut down power grids, freeze money supplies, cripple transportation systems and imperil nuclear plants.

October 11, 2012

The Associated Press - As he retires from Congress, Norm Dicks is warning that America is vulnerable to a cyberattack that could shut down power grids, freeze money supplies, cripple transportation systems and imperil nuclear plants.

Dicks says the nation needs more protections against a rogue attack on computer systems that could amount to a "cyber 9/11" or "electronic Pearl Harbor."

The Kitsap Sun reports ( http://is.gd/XzhRRF) Dicks delivered his warning Wednesday night in a speech to technology leaders in Bremerton.

Dicks blamed his colleagues in Congress for concerns about privacy trumping the threat of cyberwar. He says he hopes Congress acts before it's too late.

Dicks is a member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and ranking member of the Defense Subcommittee of the House Committee on Appropriations.