FBI Executive Discusses Cyber Threat

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FBI Executive Assistant Director Shawn Henry discussed the FBI’s response to cyber threats at the recent conference for the Information Systems Security Association in Baltimore, Maryland.

“I believe the cyber threat is an existential one, meaning that a major cyber attack could potentially wipe out whole companies. It could shut down our electric grid or water supply,” said Henry, head of the FBI’s Criminal, Cyber, Response, and Services Branch. “It could cause serious damage to parts of our cities, and ultimately even kill people. While it may sound alarmist, the threat is incredibly real, and intrusions into corporate networks, personal computers, and government systems are occurring every single day by the thousands.”

In his speech, Henry described how the FBI is addressing the threats, and working with law enforcement partners around the world.

“I’m pleased to say we’re having success,” he said. “In 2010, we arrested 202 criminals specifically for cyber intrusion—up from 159 in 2009. In addition, our foreign law enforcement partners made dozens and dozens of arrests last year based on intelligence we’ve shared with them. And we obtained a record level of financial judgments for those cases in excess of $100 million.”