NEW CASTLE —
The Internet is an amazing resource.
It provides seemingly endless information and entertainment. And it has become an instrumental tool for commerce, allowing businesses to reach customers in ways that were once impossible.
Today, it’s difficult to imagine life without the Internet and all it can do. But as everyone knows — or ought to know — the World Wide Web has its dark side, one that’s fraught with danger.
On an individual level, this includes such things as scams and viruses that can cost money, disrupt computers and generally make things miserable. However, cyberspace contains other dangers that have genuinely deadly consequences.
Modern society runs on computers. They operate the electrical grid, water systems, power plants, financial networks. An increasing concern with national security and defense involves protecting key facilities from cyber attacks. In theory, if a hacker could interfere with nuclear power plant operations, he could cause it to malfunction and create a disaster.
That’s just one dramatic example. Other scenarios could produce blackouts in cities, shut down water supplies or disrupt telecommunications. It’s safe to assume that in future wars, cyber attacks will be just as common as bombs and missiles, perhaps more so.
And they could be just as damaging and deadly.
The businesses that operate power plants and other at-risk facilities have good reasons to protect their assets. But that doesn’t guarantee they will be successful. This is why the federal government is involved in cybersecurity. The potential for public harm is simply too great for Washington to ignore.
Yet like everything else, government involvement in Internet security comes with its own set of concerns. The extent to which government can — and should — direct the Web security operations of private companies has been an ongoing debate. For instance, businesses worry that more cyber security regulations will add costs without guaranteeing any real protection.
Earlier this year, Congress failed to pass cybersecurity legislation, mainly because of such objections from the business community. Now the Obama administration is preparing an executive order in an effort to address concerns raised by national security experts.
We don’t claim to be authorities when it comes to security in cyberspace. But we do know there are legitimate dual interests here, both for business and government.
Regulation of cyber communications should not stifle crucial business operations. At the same time, however, operators of key facilities and services need to consider what will happen if the type of breach that’s feared by security officials actually happens. The resulting government regulations at that point would be hard to fight.
Editorials
Our Opinion: Seeking a balance between public safety and freedom in cyberspace
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Our Opinion: Make the most of your power to vote by casting ballot tomorrow
So what kind of turnout will there be for tomorrow’s primary? Recent history suggests somewhere between low and lousy. This year’s elections are devoted to local races, and there are few major ones being contested in the primary.
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Our Opinion: Privatization of county jail is worthy of examination
Generally speaking, we support government efforts to seek more efficient ways to provide essential services. So we have no problem with the decision by the Lawrence County commissioners to solicit proposals for the private operation of the county jail.
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Our Opinion: We endorse candidates for New Castle board
The New Castle school district is often a study in contrasts. There are complaints about the district on everything from taxes to nepotism, from test scores to ethical slights. Yet at the same time, plenty of students within the district excel. It’s a tribute to the hard work of those students, their families and the educators who support them.
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Our Opinion: You should be frightened, outraged by IRS abuse of power
When people talk about government posing a threat to citizens, a common topic these days is unmanned drones. But a more credible threat may be the Internal Revenue Service. This agency, responsible for collecting taxes and enforcing related rules, has the ability to make life miserable for the average individual.
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Our Opinion: Our endorsements for City Council race
The city of New Castle needs help. Financially distressed and operating under Pennsylvania’s Act 47, New Castle must find ways to reverse its population loss and fiscal challenges.
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Our Opinion: Court frowns on gerrymandering, but only slightly
Pennsylvania legislators have received the green light to put their own political interests ahead of yours. That’s a key point in the latest Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruling on legislative apportionment in the commonwealth.
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Our Opinion: Study says distracted driving deaths are under reported
Suppose you operated a piece of heavy machinery at your job. And suppose it’s machinery that moves quickly with little effort. What would happen if you decided to take one hand off that equipment — while it was still in motion — and instead focused your attention on a telephone call?
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Our Opinion: Senate seeks to give states more taxing power
Congress is taking a stab at tax fairness. At least, where states are concerned. If you’re looking for meaningful reform of the federal tax code, that’s going to have to wait.
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Our Opinion: Look at handling of bombing suspects is warranted
We welcome an investigation into the handling of intelligence related to suspects in the Boston Marathon bombing. That probe may reveal little of value.
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Our Opinion: Right to know reveals intermediate unit problem
At this point, we have few details regarding the resignation of the director of this region’s intermediate unit. Apparently, there was a problem with purchases Cecelia H. Yauger made with a government credit card through the state agency that provides support services to area school districts.
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