Private-sector computer networks are becoming increasingly vulnerable to destructive cyberattacks

[Commentary] Networks in the United States remain vulnerable to intrusion, disruption, theft, espionage and attacks that could produce physical damage, all weaknesses that cry out for a more aggressive defense than has been mounted so far.

Although the US military is standing up a major cyber effort, both offensive and defensive, private-sector networks in the nation are overly exposed. These networks are the backbone of the economy, health care, education, transportation, energy and countless other critical functions. In the future, attacks are certain to be aimed at them with potentially dire consequences. Warnings about this have been issued for several years, with insufficient effect.

Admiral Michael Rogers, the new head of the National Security Agency and US Cyber Command, recently predicted a cyberattack on critical US infrastructure -- such as water or electrical systems -- in the next decade, saying that it is “only a matter of when, not if, we are going to see something dramatic.” He added, “This is not theoretical.” Or reassuring.