More Camel In The Tent

http://www.computerweekly.com/Articles/2009/04/01/235493/us-to-enforce-cyber-security-in-private-companies.htm

The US government could gain powers to enforce cyber-security standards in private companies for the first time under new laws designed to dramatically step-up the US cyber-defences.

Legislation expected to be introduced in the US Senate today will extend the US government's cyber-security programme from military networks to private systems used to control critical infrastructure such as electricity and water, The Washington Post reports.

The legislation calls for the appointment of a White House cyber-security "czar" with the authority to shut down both government and private computer networks during a cyber-attack, according to officials interviewed by the paper.

The news comes following disclosures of the extent of cyber-espionage activities of Chinese hackers against western governments.

Research by a Canadian security group has revealed that the Chinese operation, dubbed GhostNet, infiltrated more than 1,000 computers in more than 100 countries.

US Intelligence officials have warned that a major attack on private computer networks could compromise systems used by banks, utilities and transport networks, causing social and economic panic.

The US has begun a 60 day review of its defences against cyber-attacks.
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What is scarier? Chinese viruses running amok in our computers, or government officials running amok with the power to commandeer computer networks?

I'd like to know if private networks include the networks of private citizens. Also, for how long are they going to be authorized to shut down the networks, and what exactly constitutes such an emergency that they'd be authorized to do this.

Maybe my tinfoil's just a little too tight today, but the idea of the government shutting down the "backbone" because of imminent rumblings of revolution seems like a likely possibility down the road.