US cyber pros test skills in exercise meant to stop attacks

WASHINGTON (AP) — The moment a U.S. official pressed a computer key, dozens of security experts who gathered in an underground control room girded themselves for a cyberattack — a drill meant to thwart the kinds of intrusions that have recently crippled health networks and retail giants.

More than 1,000 U.S. cybersecurity professionals are participating in — and testing how well they respond to — a mock attack, said Gregory Touhill, a Homeland Security Department deputy assistant secretary for cybersecurity protection.

Other participants include health companies, Internet service providers, telephone companies and retail organizations.

[...] U.S. officials told Congress last year the Office of Personnel Management didn't take basic steps to secure their computer networks.