U.S. Agencies, Technology Firms Set Guidelines to Protect Against Hacking

In a high-tech, high-powered version of a neighborhood watch, a group of government agencies and private businesses plan to announce today a common set of standards and software to fight computer hacking. The Pentagon, the National Security Agency, the National Institute of Standards and Technology, and other agencies are joining forces with such corporations as Intel Corp., Allstate Insurance Co., First Union Corp., Visa and Pacific Gas & Electric Co. to agree on technical actions to stem computer fraud and theft. The announcement comes as there is increased concern over computer security since Sept. 11. Computer hacking, much of which has been caused by mischievous teenagers, has become more pervasive and destructive. The perceived threat of cyber-terrorism from countries or terrorist groups has raised the stakes. Richard Clarke, who was appointed the nation's cyber-security adviser late last year, has said he worries about a "digital Pearl Harbor," where the country's vital networks could be attacked. Several of the top technology executives in America, including Microsoft Corp.'s Bill Gates and Oracle Corp.'s Larry Ellison, this year have said they are also working to make their products tougher to break into.