But while we must heed the alarms, we need not be alarmist. Government, businesses, and many individuals are already taking steps to stop computer vandals, cyber criminals, and even terrorists. Not that it's a simple task. The opportunities for those who want to break into systems, either for thrill, theft, or harm, are proliferating. New software products that build e-mail capability into spreadsheets or word processors open another door for hackers.
Nothing is more important than awareness of the problem, followed by reasonable steps to lessen it.
The Clinton administration has reportedly developed a plan for the FBI to foil intruders from invading the government's civilian computers as well as those in such industries as banking, telecommunications, and transportation. Something along these lines may be necessary, though it raises serious privacy concerns. Individuals using computers in their homes are perhaps a little less likely to be targeted by intruders. But they can follow the security guidelines provided by many Internet service companies and be careful about opening unfamiliar e-mail messages. Keep in mind that the Internet and the cyberculture it has spawned are still fairly young.