Experts warn: Government ill-prepared for cyberattacks

An overwhelming percentage of security experts say cyberattacks against companies and government are increasing but neither group is properly equipped to protect itself, according to a cybersecurity survey released today.

More than 93 percent of respondents in the Narus 2010 Cyber Security Report said they believe attacks are on the rise. And approximately 88 percent said they think government agencies are not equipped to prevent such attacks or thwart them when they do occur, compared to 71 percent who said their companies were not ready for an attack.

In fact, only 12 percent of those questioned in the June survey agreed with the statement that critical government networks are protected.

Despite the Obama administration’s emphasis on cybersecurity, “the threat of cyberattacks remains a significant issue,” the survey said.

It cited a recent statement by Deputy Defense Secretary William Lynn, who called cyberspace the fourth area of warfare along with land, sea and air.

“We need to be able to respond to attacks, to intrusions, at network speed,” Lynn said.

The polling involved security professionals from a variety of industries and included one-on-one interviews.

Boeing Co. acquired Narus Inc., a provider of real-time network traffic and analytics software, in July.

The goal of the acquisition was to boost Boeing’s capabilities in delivering cybersecurity products and technologies to domestic and international customers, company officials said.

Boeing Co., of Chicago, ranks No. 3 on Washington Technology’s 2010 Top 100 list of the largest federal government contractors.