This included better inter-agency coordination, the formation of a training and exercise program, increased coordination between those involved in cyber incidents, the development of a common framework for response and information access, as well as the development of a strategic communications and public relations plan.

Security experts say Cyber Storm has improved participants' understanding of who to call in the event of an attack, but hasn't necessarily identified specific vulnerabilities in the nation's computer systems.

"What they're trying to do is highlight the inefficiencies in the process," according to Marcus Sachs, deputy director with research group SRI International's Computer Science Laboratory. "They're not really looking for technical solutions."

Cyber Storm 2 is expected to build on the last year's 30 participants to include players from chemical and transportation sectors.

It is expected last year's participants Microsoft, Verisign and Symantec will also attend the event. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has announced plans to host further Cyber Storm events beyond 2008 on a biannual basis.