CEDAR KNOLLS, NJ -- Prior to 9/11, carriers' preparations against service disruption focused on natural disasters. Since then they have come to include malicious attacks both physical and virtual. "Security - Long Distance and Local Telcos," a new report from Probe Group, profiles the largest American carriers in the context of the post 9/11 environment.

"No network can be made 100% secure, however, carriers must develop a comprehensive security plan spelling out areas to be secured and where potential threats lie," commented Lynda Starr, Probe Group Vice President. "Good security practices can't always prevent an attack, but they can minimize the damage."

While encompassing all aspects of protecting the country, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) places an emphasis on the telecom infrastructure. "The DHS has taken over the management of the National Communications System from the Department of Defense," Starr continued. The system coordinates emergency preparedness for the U.S. telecom sector.

"This emphasis on security," Starr concluded, "may change the financial landscape of the industry." Investors should weigh the impact increased security costs has on profits, and enterprises should be ready to shoulder the costs.

Probe Group LLC