Several computer and Internet security experts warned this week that while threats are on the rise and the lag time between vulnerability and attack is shrinking, government and the private sector have failed to team effectively on Internet security, leaving infrastructure and systems susceptible.

Internet Security Systems (Nasdaq: ISSX) reported in its quarterly risk summary that the number of serious security incidents increased 13.7 percent from the first quarter. Blaming known vulnerabilities that have not been addressed and the difficulty of patching software and system holes, ISS said companies are not keeping up.

At the same time, Internet security experts -- including former national adviser Richard Clarke -- have condemned a lack of action by the U.S. government, claiming the bureaucratic shuffle of the Homeland Security Department has left infrastructure more vulnerable to attack.

"We have a clear and present danger right now that needs to be addressed," Vanguard Integrity Professionals CEO/CTO Ronn Bailey told TechNewsWorld. "Waiting is not going to take that away."

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