A preliminary table-top exercise will be held next month, to prepare for the real thing in 2008.

The first Cyber Storm simulation uncovered gaps and stresses in communications between agencies, particularly when there were multiple threats which demanded concurrent responses.

Management of public information was also identified as critical, and will be carefully monitored this time round.

As part of the exercise, authorities have to ensure public information is accurate, so as to avoid creating needless panic, said the report from the first exercise. Misleading information or deliberate disinformation is a risk, particularly in a world of bloggers and other independent media sources. Media organizations, particularly those that cover ICT (Information and Communications Technology), could be asked to play a role in Cyber Storm II, said Harmon. Media relations staff from the various agencies involved in the exercise will certainly be important participants.