In a column that appears in today’s Washington Post, New Mexico’s former Republican representative, Heather Wilson, warns that our nation’s cybersecurity is at risk and we must take steps to protect ourselves.

Wilson, who served in the U.S. Air Force and on the House Intelligence Committee writes:

Congressional computers have been penetrated, probably by the Chinese. The avionics system of the F-22 fighter may be compromised. Computers of our presidential candidates were hacked into — and probably not by teenagers on a lark. Last year’s advance of Russian tanks into Georgia was accompanied by the disruption of Georgian government computer systems. These are only public manifestations of a new reality: Attacks on computer systems will be an integral element of future conflict.

Wilson argues against a Senate bill that would set standards for computer software and hardware, saying it would do nothing to stop sophisticated cyber attackers.

Instead, she suggests strengthening our intelligence gathering in the area of cyber security, and proposes establishing a “safe harbor” where businesses and government can share information about cyber threats and how to defend against them.

The column carries a footnote explaining that while Wilson now consults on cyber security and national security, she has no financial interest in the solutions she proposes.