Premier Sean Chen today underscored the importance of cyber security in protecting the public sector's infrastructure and directed ministries and agencies to stay alert to potential cyber threats.
"The advance of Internet technology has also led to cyber warfare," Chen said. "While some attacks are launched by amateurs, others are backed by countries or regimes."
When Israel attacked the Gaza Strip last month, hackers assaulted Israeli companies' computer networks and caused enormous damage, he noted.
Meanwhile, United States Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta is warning the growing threat of a "cyber-Pearl Harbor," and U.S. officials are concerned that a cyber attack on America "would make 9/11 look like a tea party," Chen added.
Minister without Portfolio Chang San-cheng will preside over an Executive Yuan meeting on cyber security next week to address such concerns, said Chen, who also reminded government agencies, especially those with overseas offices, to guard against cyber attacks from individuals or other countries or regimes.
The premier also directed Chang to evaluate ways to integrate related divisions within the Executive Yuan, such as the Office of Homeland Security and the Office of Information and Communication Security, in order to beef up cyber security.