This article discusses how concern regarding an intentional terrorist attack on
US infrastructure, that would include water systems, has heightened considerably
since the end of the Cold War. Because guns and explosives are easier to obtain
than large amounts of contaminants or toxic chemicals, the most likely scenario
for a terrorist attack on a water system would involve physical destruction of
the system's components to disrupt the supply of water, rather than actions that
would cause a contamination event. The five types of perpetrators discussed in
this article are: vandals who commit crimes of opportunity; a lone wolf who
selects victims for their real or imagined characteristics; insiders or former
employees who are seeking revenge; activist groups or cults that want to make a
statement; and, state-sponsored terrorist groups, which often have access to
extensive technical and financial resources. A listing of available resources is
given to help utilities improve security at their facilities. Includes 19 references.
| Edition : | Vol. 93 - No. 5 |
| File Size : | 1
file
, 440 KB |
| Note : | This product is unavailable in Ukraine, Russia, Belarus |
| Number of Pages : | 8 |
| Published : | 05/01/2001 |
