The tools used to launch massive denial of service assaults, for example, have advanced command and control capabilities.

The very same means that the cyber vandals used a few weeks ago [in the denial-of-service cyber attacks on several major Web sites] could also be used on a much more massive scale at the nation-state level to generate truly damaging interruptions to the national economy and infrastructure.

Further, the next generation of terrorists will grow up in a digital world, with ever more powerful and easy-to-use hacking tools at their disposal.

While many hackers have the knowledge, skills, and tools to attack computer systems, they generally lack the motivation to cause violence or severe economic or social harm.

I don't have a particular recommendation other than that we base decisions on as much hard data as possible. We need to carefully look at all the options and all their ramifications in making our decisions.

We have never really had absolute privacy with our records or our electronic communications - government agencies have always been able to gain access with appropriate court orders.