Terrorists nearing ability to launch big cyberattacks against US

The biggest threat to U.S. computer networks is terrorist organizations that will purchase software code from cybercriminals to penetrate sensitive systems, a possibility that could be just a few years away, said James Woolsey, a former CIA director, said during a panel discussion at the International Spy Museum. Although enemy states often are blamed for cyberattacks against the United States, it is not common because political and financial repercussions dissuade most countries from launching a widespread effort. Power plants are a prime target, he said, with the goal being to take down the electric grid.