Albuquerque, NM -- (SBWIRE) -- 04/26/2011 -- Recently, one of the top executives of Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) appeared before the Senate Judiciary Committee, Subcommittee on Crime and Terrorism at a hearing titled: Cybersecurity: Responding to Threats of Cyber Crime and Terrorism. Gordon M. Snow, the Assistant Director for Cyber Division of the premier investigative agency highlighted cybersecurity challenges faced by the country during the hearing.

According to Snow, FBI has identified capability to inflict damage or death, illicit acquisition of assets, and unauthorized access to privileged military, intelligence and economic information as most significant cyber threats for United States (U.S). Financial institutions have been one of the major target of cybercriminals, causing significant economic losses. Cybercriminals also pose threat to critical infrastructural facilities, intellectual property and supply chain.

Critical infrastructural facilities are now characterized of increased automation making them vulnerable to cyber threats. Attackers are increasingly making use of malicious software tools to breach security perimeters. Industrial control systems, which handle the physical processes related to pipelines, transport and other critical infrastructural facilities, are at higher risk of cyber-attacks. According to FBI, there is a risk of proliferation of malicious attack techniques capable of degrading, disrupting and destroying critical infrastructure. IT professionals must constantly upgrade their expertise through online IT degree and e-learning programs.

Protection of Intellectual property rights is crucial for business continuity and success. Cyberspace is now used for stealing trade secrets, piracy and trafficking counterfeit goods through sophisticated techniques. Cyberspace could also be used to manipulate supply chain. Computer chips could be embedded with malware to extract personally identifiable information from computers. The dissemination of salvaged and repackaged computer chips would make it increasingly difficult for customers to distinguish between original and fake products. Operation Cisco Raider, a joint initiative of United States (U.S) and Canada, targets illegal distribution of counterfeit hardware and has seized components worth $3.5 million during the last five years. Internet users could be guided on cyber threats and safe online computing practices through online IT courses, e-tutorials and e-learning programs.

The country faces threat from botnets, which could be used by cybercriminals and rival countries to steal sensitive information related to countries, raise funds and disrupt access to critical infrastructure facilities. There is an increasing threat from activists such as Anonymous groups and attackers loyal to rival countries. The financial implications of cybercrime are immense Snow referred to a study by Ponemon Institute, which revealed that median annual cost of cybercrime ranges from $1 million to $52 million for individuals.

Sophisticated threats emanating from the cyber space require proactive action. FBI is proactively working with several domestic and international counter crime agencies to control the menace of cybercrime.

United States has been at the forefront in dealing with threats in the cyberspace. Last year, the country established a cyber command to strengthen the defenses of the country against cyber threats. The country faces shortage of cybersecurity professionals qualified in IT degree programs, network administration, incident management, system administration, computer forensics and security audit. The country has started many initiatives such as competitions and cybersecurity challenges to identify future cyber warriors.

Contact Press
EC-Council
Website: http://www.eccuni.us
Email: iclass@eccouncil.org
Tel: 505-341-3228

EC-Council University is based in Albuquerque, New Mexico and offers Master of Security Science (MSS) degree to students from various backgrounds such as graduates, IT Professionals, and military students amongst several others. The MSS is offered as a 100% online degree program and allows EC-Council University to reach students from not only the United States, but from all around the world.

EC-Council is a member-based organization that certifies individuals in cybersecurity and e-commerce skills. It is the owner and developer of 16 security certifications, including Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), Computer Hacking Forensics Investigator (CHFI) and EC-Council Certified Security Analyst (ECSA)/License Penetration Tester (LPT). Its certificate programs are offered in over 60 countries around the world.

EC-Council has trained over 80,000 individuals and certified more than 30,000 members, through more than 450 training partners globally. These certifications are recognized worldwide and have received endorsements from various government agencies including the U.S. federal government via the Montgomery GI Bill, Department of Defense via DoD 8570.01-M, National Security Agency (NSA) and the Committee on National Security Systems (CNSS). EC-Council also operates the global series of Hacker Halted security conferences.