WI; Massive cyber attack instead of 9/11

What would the effect be on the US and global economy if AQ decided to hit American financial and economic strength with a massive cyber attack? How big could the damage be?

And since nobody dies, what measure of retaliation could be expected from the US?
 
Putting aside the fact of how and why Al-Qaeda would accomplish this task or do it instead of a direct full on terror attack, it would provoke a less severe reaction, if it provoked any reaction it'd be maybe a bombing campaign at best.
 
Putting aside the fact of how and why Al-Qaeda would accomplish this task or do it instead of a direct full on terror attack, it would provoke a less severe reaction, if it provoked any reaction it'd be maybe a bombing campaign at best.

There are Muslim hackers that have raided US webpages. I believe AQ could've recruited or paid someone to wreck banking websites and such.
 
Less severe response because cyber attacks are still seen as something less even now, let alone 14 years ago. And any claims will be countered by saying that attacks did happen it wasn't AQ but hackers and AQ is just tagging along for credit. Not to mention degree damage will be covered up easily since it's not actually visible.
 
A cyber attack doing what exactly? Targeting what in fiancnial instiutions, the world wasn't as online back in 2001 as it is now.
 
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