|
|
Post by warrior1972 on Nov 23, 2014 5:29:58 GMT -8
Washington (CNN) -- China and "probably one or two other" countries have the capacity to shut down the nation's power grid and other critical infrastructure through a cyber attack, the head of the National Security Agency told a Congressional panel Thursday. Admiral Michael Rogers, who also serves the dual role as head of U.S. Cyber Command, said the United States has detected malware from China and elsewhere on U.S. computers systems that affect the daily lives of every American. "It enables you to shut down very segmented, very tailored parts of our infrastructure that forestall the ability to provide that service to us as citizens," Rogers said in testimony before the House Intelligence Committee. Rogers said such attacks are part of the "coming trends" he sees based on "reconnaissance" currently taking place that nation-states, or other actors may use to exploit vulnerabilities in U.S. cyber systems. A recent report by Mandiant, a cyber-security firm, found that hackers working on behalf of the Chinese government were able to penetrate American public utility systems that service everything from power generation, to the movement of water and fuel across the country. www.cnn.com/2014/11/20/politics/nsa-china-power-grid/index.html?hpt=us_c2 |
|
|
|
Post by Sailor on Nov 23, 2014 8:25:00 GMT -8
These questions occurred to me -
At what point should this country consider a cyber attack in the same category as a military attack?
What kind of attack or how much damage or loss of life should we be willing to absorb before striking back with actual military force?
Should a warning be issued by Washington that such an attack could draw a major military response?
Does the U.S. have similar capabilities to damage potential adversaries?
|
|
|
|
Post by warrior1972 on Nov 23, 2014 11:08:07 GMT -8
These questions occurred to me - At what point should this country consider a cyber attack in the same category as a military attack? If they shut down our satellies so we can't see what they are doing, or shut down all the power in the U.S., or destroy our conmputer network, I'd say that qualifies. I'd also say that we need to make it our business to know the day BEFORE Pearl Harbor this time.
What kind of attack or how much damage or loss of life should we be willing to absorb before striking back with actual military force? See above. Should a warning be issued by Washington that such an attack could draw a major military response? That could be done covertly. In fact, there's an excellent change it already has. Does the U.S. have similar capabilities to damage potential adversaries? |
|
|
|
Post by Sailor on Nov 23, 2014 15:58:16 GMT -8
Of course.
I would hope so, but from what I remember about ADM Rogers I think he's going to be keeping those cards very close to the vest. If there is a leak it won't be from his office.
|
|
