U.K. airports bolster cybersecurity

The British Airports Authority is investing 23 million pounds in a top-secret programme to combat the threat of cyberterrorism. BAA said it is more concerned about the threat of an electronic attack by terrorists than any other form of computer attack. Details of the program, known as 'Shield', were revealed by BAA group services director Tony Ward at an Economist Conference this week.

"We all know that cybercrime is on the increase but it is the potential for cyberterrorism that keeps me awake," he said. Ward said the U.K. airports group has invested 23 million pounds so far in the multiyear program to beef up IT security defences against any computer attack by terrorists. "It's a big investment by any means," he said. A representative for BAA refused to divulge further details on Shield for "operational reasons" but said it is an ongoing program.

Andy McCue of Silicon.com reported from London.