For nearly a year, the Pres.'s Information Tech. Advisory Comm. (PITAC) has studied the security of the information tech. (IT) infrastructure of the U.S., which is essential to nat. & homeland security as well as everyday life. The IT infrastructure is highly vulnerable to premeditated attacks with potentially catastrophic effects. Thus, it is a prime target for cyber terrorism as well as criminal acts. The IT infrastructure encompasses not only the public Internet -- e-commerce, communication, & Web services -- but also the less visible systems & connection of the Nation's critical infrastructures such as power grids, air traffic control systems, financial systems, & military & intelligence systems. These all require a secure IT infrastructure.