PARIS -- OECD governments have drawn up new Guidelines for the Security of Information Systems and Networks in the wake of last year's September 11 attacks in the United States, in order to counter cyberterrorism, computer viruses, hacking and other threats. The Guidelines are designed to develop a "culture of security" among government, business and users in an environment of worldwide expansion of communications networks, increasing interconnectivity across national borders, converging technologies and ever more powerful personal computers. Amid growing worldwide dependence on information systems and networks, the Guidelines demonstrate OECD governments' commitment to the stable and productive development of online communications. They urge all users of information technology, including governments, businesses and individuals, to adhere to and implement nine basic principles covering such areas as security awareness and responsibility and respect for ethical and democratic values. Although the Guidelines are non-binding, they are the product of a consensus between OECD governments resulting from discussions that also involved representatives of the information technology industry, business users and civil society. OECD governments and other participants will draw on them in establishing policies, measures and training programs for on-line security. The text of the Guidelines is available in English, French, and Spanish.