Bruce Schneier, a leading security expert, said recently that the threat of cyber warfare is greatly exaggerated.

A recent anti-hacking conference pointed out the importance of protection against increasingly sophisticated computer piracy as the Internet begins to become a bigger part of daily life.

World-renowned artist Hasan Elahi will be joined by security expert Bruce Schneier MINNEAPOLIS, Feb. 12 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Artist Hasan Elahi will discuss "Tracking Transience: The Orwell Project," on February 18 at 5:30 p.m. in Auditorium 150 at MCAD.

By ANICK JESDANUN By Anick Jesdanun The Associated Press NEW YORK For some security researchers who uncover flaws in leading computer programs, a nod of appreciation from software companies is no longer enough. Now they want money.

BT has bought up the services of Bruce Schneier, foe of computer hackers, as it seeks to advise more companies on Internet security. It is paying Pounds 40m for his California company, Counterpane, which monitors US government networks as part of George Bush's anti- terror campaign.