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Morning News

President Clinton to Discuss Cyber Security With Computer Wizards; Internet Users Can Be Own Best Defense Online

Aired February 15, 2000 - 10:01 a.m. ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

BILL HEMMER, CNN ANCHOR: In the next hour, the White House steps into the computer age and its mine field of security concerns. President Clinton will meet with more than two dozen computer executives and academics, and even a reformed hacker named "Mudge" to talk about last week's cyber attacks on some of the Internet's most popular sites. Sources tell CNN that the FBI may be getting closer to the hackers, but today's meeting will concentrate on trying to prevent future attacks.

Live from the White House, CNN's Kathleen Koch with more on this today -- Kathleen.

KATHLEEN KOCH, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Bill, last week's Internet attacks were essentially a shot across the bow, so now, today, it's time to plan defense. And a veritable who's who of the technology world will be brainstorming here with -- at the White House the President Clinton on ways to deter future cyber crime. On hand will be the president of eBay and the CEO of E*Trade, two of the sites that did suffer those denial of access or denial-of-service attacks.

President Clinton, in online interview with CNN, called the attacks quote, "very disturbing," but he warned they must be kept in perspective.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

WILLIAM J. CLINTON, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: I think it's important that the American people not overreact to this. That is, we're into a whole new world with the Internet. And whenever we sort of cross another plateau in our development, there are those who seek to take advantage of it. So there -- this is a replay of things that have happened throughout our history, and we'll figure out how to do it and go forward. But I think, on balance, no one could dispute what a great thing the Internet has been for our country and for the world.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

KOCH: The federal government is already spending $1.75 billion this year alone on computer security for the federal government. It's requested 15 percent more for year. And White House Press Secretary Joe Lockhart says that the meeting today won't focus on distinct policy initiatives but, instead, making sure that the United States is on the right track when it comes to preventing future cyber attacks. Now, clearly some of the technology experts meeting today here -- here today will be concerned about word that many of the nation's top banks got advance notice of several days that last week's cyber- hacking attacks were coming but that they were not able to let authorities know because of restrictions under their security network. So we are told that companies today will be encouraged to share information, to share any new technology, new security information that could help the entire industry.

Reporting live at the White House, I'm Kathleen Koch.

DARYN KAGAN, CNN ANCHOR: Kathleen, thank you.

As the government looks at ways to sew up holes in the Net, online experts say you can really be your own best defense.

CNN's Kate Snow has some tips now on how to best protect yourself.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

KATE SNOW, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Being connected means taking a risk.

MARK RASCH, GLOBAL INTEGRITY CORPORATION: A reasonably technically sophisticated hacker could probably break into almost any site.

SNOW: It happens. In January, a hacker stole 25,000 names and credit card numbers from CD Universe, an online music store. In a recent security firm survey, nearly 1/3 of companies, agencies and schools said outsiders had invaded their computer systems.

(on camera): The biggest threat isn't when you make a transaction. Web sites with secure servers encode that. But afterwards, your personal data is transferred somewhere else.

RASCH: The electronic stores keep in their back office online somewhere that might be available to a hacker, a database, a warehouse of information about other people.

SNOW (voice-over): E-commerce sites and online banks try to protect that information.

CHRISTOPHER PAINTER, ASST. U.S. ATTORNEY: Most sites that are out there, especially, for instance, financial institutions, go to incredible lengths to protect personal information. And, clearly, if there's any attempt to get it, that's where law enforcement will come in.

SNOW: But security experts say criminal hackers are often one step ahead. And there are traditional scams online. Auction sites like eBay are fertile ground. The Federal Trade Commission says auction complaints have exploded from about 100 in 1997 to more than 10,000 last year. The FTC offers these tips: First, know who you're dealing with and what their policies are. Never give out your password, even to your Internet provider. Credit card numbers may be vulnerable, but they're the safest way to pay because the customer won't get stuck with the bill. Correct any billing problems immediately in writing, and keep records.

Follow those rules and experts say living online won't be any riskier than the real world.

Kate Snow, CNN, Washington.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

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