Cyber attacks could lead to global catastrophe

COORDINATED attacks on critical computer systems could create a perfect storm with “catastrophic” global effects, a study found today.

A succession of multiple cyber attacks could “become a full-scale global shock” on a par with a pandemic and the collapse of the world financial system, the report by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) said.

Contingency plans to recover systems should be put in place and cyber security policies should “encompass the needs of all citizens and not just central government facilities”, the report said.