jihad attack on web sites? old or new news'

[Hellfighter]

Feb. 9 - In recent months, an odd message has popped up on some radical Islamic Web sites. Readers are encouraged to use their computers to advance the cause of jihad. One preferred method touted on these sites: launch a cyberattack by jamming the Web sites and e-mail addresses of the “Zionist enemy.”

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"Almost every [Islamic extremist] Web site has a section on how to do jihad over the Internet," says Rita Katz, the head of the SITE Institute, a group that closely monitors Islamic Web sites. The postings, say Katz, advise would-be holy warriors: "If you can't do jihad physically, do it on the Internet.

Some of the recent messages have gotten alarmingly specific. They include detailed attack instructions and list as apparent potential targets e-mail addresses of Israeli political groups, police and government offices and politicians, including Natan Sharansky, the conservative cabinet member and former Soviet dissident who has become a favorite of President Bush.

These postings are reminiscent of an earlier full-scale cyberwar between Israeli and Palestinian hackers—a conflict that Israeli officials believe caused noticeable damage to the country's economy four years ago. They are also a powerful reminder of the continuing threat of cyberterrorism, an issue that has caused growing concerns among national-security experts in recent years. Indeed, many experts say, the potential vulnerability of the United States to a sophisticated cyberattack is far greater than is generally understood by the public. Among the vital public services in the United States that rely on digital controls, making them potential targets for a cyberattack, are public utilities (including electrical power grids), transportation systems and broadcasting networks, experts say.

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[BOne]

many experts say, the potential vulnerability of the United States to a sophisticated cyberattack is far greater than is generally understood by the public.

true here ... learned that in computer science 1 ..thats why a lot of government computers use linux or some form of linux kernel to run there machines.. a virtual attack could cripple 911 phone systems...shut down power plants or worse even divert or launce warheads...this is a very serious problem ..this is why computer security is such a growing market