mputers. Most of these computers remain unprotected, while even those that are secured by top-notch security systems are still penetrable given the skill and desire. A major attack on these systems could cause society as we know it to completely change: personal financial accounts could be drained of all funds, communication systems could be severely disabled or incapacitated causing a complete communication blackout, and emergency service computer systems could be attacked making it extremely difficult for police and firemen to respond to emergencies, all with the quick execution of a simple program. The effects of computer crime and terrorism penetrate into almost every single aspect of society. A successful attack on any major computer information system will have a tremendously negative impact on both the United States and the global society as a whole. It is extremely important in the future that everything realistically possible is done to protect the valuable resources that we call computers and the sensitive information that they store. This countrys leaders need to start to take notice of the negative effects computers could have on our society. Perhaps, instead of scrambling to assume credit for creating the internet which is becoming Americas Achilles heel, our next leader should take the bold step of slowing our technological dependence, a policy that has thus fare been virtually absent in Americas history of progress. But then again, the internet is not the demise of America, people are....
