INTERNATIONAL terrorists are training to launch cyber-terror attacks on Britain which could cripple vital economic, medical and transport networks, the government's counter-terrorism co-ordinator said yesterday. Sir David Omand said surveillance of suspected al-Qaeda affiliates suggests they are working to use the internet and other electronic communications systems to cause harm. Sir David, a former head of GCHQ and one of the most senior members of the British intelligence community, yesterday appeared at a conference of security experts and business leaders at Chatham House in London to discuss Britain's defences.To illustrate the point that even entirely civilian industries and networks can be vital to national security, the conference was reminded of an MI5 assessment that "Britain is four meals away from anarchy." British security officials are normally extremely reluctant to discuss potential threats even semi-publicly, but the need for increased action from the private sector is driving a newfound openness. Intelligence officials say that no matter how much the state does to prepare for cyber-terrorism, a great deal will rest on the willingness of businesses to "harden" their systems against attack Sir David confessed to his audience that he had doubts about commenting publicly on security threats, not least for fear of sparking undue panic. He insisted that his remarks constituted an attempt to "inform" or to "alert", but stopped short of being a "warning".