There's a 'CyberStorm' On The Horizon

WASHINGTON -- Just how ready is the federal government in case of a coordinated attack on the nation's cyber infrastructure?

That preparedness will be put to the test today as the Department of Homeland Security launches CYBERSTORM II.

What's being billed as a "National Cyber Exercise" will kickoff at high noon today.

For the second time in as many years, the Department of Homeland Security will simulate what it calls, "a large-scale, coordinated cyber attack on critical infrastructure sectors, including the chemical, information technology (IT), communications, and transportation sectors."

That last category will include both the railroads and pipelines that carry everything from natural gas to industrial chemicals.

CYBERSTORM II is global in scope, and even though the exercise's command center is located somewhere here in D.C., the players will be worldwide.

Along with the U.S., five other countries are participating, including Australia, Canada, New Zealand and Britain.

Nine states are part of the drill, as well, including California, Colorado, Delaware, Illinois, Michigan, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Texas and Virginia.

The Pentagon, Justice Department and nine other cabinet-level agencies are also involved.

Finally, over 40 private companies, including such big players as Microsoft and Cisco, will participate.

The goal is to build on lessons learned from the last CYBERSTORM exercise held two years ago.

American officials will use it as an opportunity to test the draft standard operating procedures for Cyber Incidents found in the National Response Plan, recently issued by the Department of Homeland Security.

Several post-exercise conferences will be held to review findings from CYBERSTORM II, which continues all week, around the clock, through Friday, March 14.

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