Michael Chertoff, homeland security chief has made a heartfelt plea to Silicon Valley workers to stand up and be counted in the fight to secure the cyber highway. He invoked the attacks of 9/11 as he sought to galvanise IT professionals and security experts.

'Desire to serve'

... "the best thing you can do for your country"

Mr Chertoff pointed out that securing the nation's internet highways and byways was a job the federal government could not do alone.

Appealing to the private sector, the homeland security boss reached out and simply said: "Please send some of your brightest and best to do service in the government."