Janet Napolitano says a major attack could take place any day

Jan 25, 2013 10:59 GMT  ·  By

US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano says that a cyber 9/11 could happen any day. The official warns that the country’s critical infrastructure is highly susceptible to cyberattacks, Reuters reports.

"We shouldn't wait until there is a 9/11 in the cyber world,” the DHS secretary said.

Napolitano, who has been a vocal supporter of cyber security legislation, explains that the US should take some measures at least to mitigate the extent of damage caused by cyberattacks.

She added, “Attacks are coming all the time. They are coming from different sources, they take different forms. But they are increasing in seriousness and sophistication.”

In the meantime, Congress keeps rejecting proposed cyber security bills, and US President Barack Obama still hasn’t signed the long-awaited executive order, which would address at least part of the current issues.