- Eye-opening look at how vulnerable the infrastructure is
- Reads almost more like a novel than a non-fiction book
- Verton has done a lot of research that you need to know about
- Sometimes a little sensationalist or over the top to illustrate a point
- Chilling fictitious story demonstrates how conventional and cyber terrorism can be used together
- Excellent research on the inter-dependencies of infrastructure such as utilities and communications
- Creates a solid case for why we should be worried about terrorists using cyber-attacks
The book begins with a fictitious attack that is multi-faceted and very well orchestrated. While it is somewhat sensationalist or alarmist, the point of the story is to show what is possible- not probable. Verton illustrates how cyber-attacks against key communications and critical infrastructure sites can be used in conjunction with conventional attacks to maximize the ensuing damage and confusion.
After capturing your attention with the story of what could be, Verton goes on to describe various government and private sector studies and disaster-preparedness exercises that have proven time and time again what a fragile state the infrastructure is in and how the domino effect of one area can cascade to take out entire regions.
One of the main points of the book is to show how the critical infrastructure is inter-dependent. If a main gas pipeline is destroyed, electrical power plants lose their source of energy. Once the electricity is shut down the telephone, cell phone, Internet and many other industries will shut down. Water treatment facilities will not be able to function. The list goes on and on.
This is an enlightening book that everyone should read. It is important for the powers that be to understand this domino effect and take steps to protect against cyber-terrorism of this sort.