Reports this week surfaced details of a computer attack against financial giant Citigroup that may have resulted in the theft of millions of dollars over many months. The bank is currently denying any breach of security but the FBI is moving forward with the investigation and may have linked the crimes to a Russian cyber-gang.
Meanwhile, President Obama has appointed a national cyber security coordinator, Howard Schmidt, to work with the public and private sectors to improve security.
In this report Jeff Brown talks with James Lewis of the Technology and Public Policy Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies about security and the "wild west" of the internet.
Quotes
"The Internet is God's gift to spies. It just is so helpful. You don't have to go there physically. You can just break in from 30 -- you know, 3,000 miles away, fabulously easy." James Lewis, Center for Strategic and International Studies
"I think that, if you're a consumer, you're probably safe. But, as a nation, we're at risk." James Lewis, Center for Strategic and International Studies
Warm Up Questions
1. What are some crimes that can be committed using the internet?
2. Who is in charge of policing the internet?
Discussion Questions
1. What did you learn from this video?
2. Do you feel safe? Why or why not?
3. Does it surprise you that Citibank or another large institution could get hacked for millions of dollars? Why or why not?
4. Why do you think so many hackers come from Russia? What are the best ways to fight against that?
5. Do you agree with James Lewis that there should be someone who patrols the internet or do you think it should be a global commons? Explain your answer with specifics.
Additional Resources
Newshour: White House Taps Howard Schmidt as Cyber Security Chief
