WASHINGTON (AP) -- The threat of terrorists making cyber attacks is expected to increase over the next five years, according to an intelligence assessment obtained by The Associated Press. The internal Homeland Security Threat Assessment for the years 2008-2013 indicates computer hacking will become more sophisticated and available to young extremists. The assessment says Islamic terrorists like al-Qaida would like to conduct cyber attacks, but they lack the capability to do so. Large-scale attacks, such as on a city's water or power systems, would require cyber know-how that al-Qaida does not have. The assessment says federal officials believe in the next three to five years, al-Qaida could direct or inspire cyber attacks against the U.S. economy.
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