http://news.com.com/2100-1023-865307.html By Reuters March 20, 2002, 4:45 PM PT Two senators introduced a bill Wednesday that would create a high-tech SWAT team of science and technology experts who would help the United States recover from cyberattacks on computer and communications networks. The bill would create teams of high-tech experts who would volunteer to help during an emergency, similar to existing programs for search-and-rescue and medical volunteers. It would also set up a "reserve" of experts who could be contacted by emergency personnel. The bill would provide $35 million in grants for improved communications systems for fire, police and other emergency personnel. Bill sponsor Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., said tech experts who have volunteered to help out in the past have been stymied by bureaucratic red tape and limited access to disaster sites. Republican co-sponsor George Allen of Virginia said the bill would "help remove whatever shackles there are on private enterprise so that government and the American people can benefit from their innovations." The attacks of Sept. 11 on the United States heightened concerns about the vulnerability of the nation's telecommunications, Internet and other vital networks to computer-based attack. - ISN is currently hosted by Attrition.org To unsubscribe email majordomoat_private with 'unsubscribe isn' in the BODY of the mail.
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