http://www.computerworld.com/securitytopics/security/story/0,10801,72921,00. html Bush security plan calls for background checks By DAN VERTON JULY 22, 2002 WASHINGTON -- Once a cabinet-level Department of Homeland Security is established, the Bush administration plans to convene a panel of government and private-sector experts to determine the legal guidelines for subjecting tens of thousands of private-sector employees to background investigations. [...] That means tens of thousands of private-sector employees working in industries such as banking, chemicals, energy, transportation, telecommunications, shipping and public health would be subject to background checks as a condition of employment. Tom Ridge, the current director of the Office of Homeland Security and the leading contender to become Bush's nominee for the cabinet post, said on July 21 that the nation remains at risk from an unknown number of terrorist cells operating within the U.S. And according to the national strategy, that situation could be further complicated by malicious insiders with authorized access to critical facilities. "Personnel with privileged access to critical infrastructure, particularly [IT-based] control systems, may serve as terrorist surrogates by providing information on vulnerabilities, operating characteristics and protective measures," the Bush strategy states. [...] ---------------------------------- Protecting Critical Infrastructure and Key Assets http://www.whitehouse.gov/homeland/book/sect3-3.pdf Peter Trei "If the people have betrayed the government, perhaps the government should abolish the people and elect a new one.- Bertolt Brecht"