If terms such as cyber-terrorism and "digital Pearl Harbor" are based on think-tank scenarios and there is no real evidence of the type danger their very name implies, one is then forced to ask why the terms and the concept have been widely embraced. With a proposed $50 billion dollar budget earmarked for Homeland Security Information Technology penciled in by President Bush for 2003, one may not need to look far for an answer. Clarke's campaign to win votes for a cyber-armageddon certainly isn't hurt by his pledge to open the coffers for vendor products and new development. Art Jahnke, Editorial Director for CSO magazine, gives food for thought in a recent editorial. "Cynical readers won’t be surprised to learn that the BSA, a group of 19 powerful hardware and software manufacturers, recommends the immediate establishment of 'true private-public sector partnerships.' In other words, the government should hire BSA members to help. And fast."

Of course, let's not forget Walt H. Whether a full-blown cyberattack worthy of the title "digital Pearl Harbor" ever occurs, current day threats do exist and damage is always subjective, regardless of the cause. Certainly the warnings and predictions shouldn't be ignored simply due to lack of evidence. Fortunately, there are steps that can be taken both in the enterprise and among home users that will serve to protect your data while greatly reducing the potential of any cyber threat, be it digital warfare, viruses, DDoS attacks, or cracking. Indeed, by shoring up our corner of cyberspace to protect our own assets, we make the Internet a safer place for everyone to be - and perhaps even free up that $50 Billion budget to be spent on areas of real concern.