"Both cyber attacks are strongly suspected to have been state-sponsored attacks. “According to the source, one of yesterday’s assaults was launched against a specific group of computers at the United States Department of Defense. The DOD attack specifically targeted an electronic listing that contained the location of all intercontinental ballistic missile launch sites situated across the United States, along with a listing of all United States Navy ships that regularly carry nuclear armaments. This incursion has already been described by some as the worst breach of military security since the Cold War. “In the second attack, which occurred at exactly the same time as the first, the attackers broke into a computer system at the U.S. Department of Energy and stole detailed data, plans, and schematics for the facilities and the computer systems at no fewer than fifty nuclear power plants scattered across the country. That means the intruders now have detailed information on nearly half of the hundred or so nuclear power plants built across the United States from Seattle to Florida. With the data they stole, the people or entity responsible for the attack could conceivably shut down nuclear power plants, damage systems, or trigger false alarms. It’s remotely possible that they could even cause some or all of the reactors in a plant to melt down. “While Cyber Command refused to provide any specifics about the attacks, our source told us that yesterday’s cyber attacks against the Department of Defense and the Department of Energy were later traced back to locations inside of the People’s Republic of China. While the Chinese government vehemently denies having anything to do with yesterday’s attacks and offers to do what it can to help bring the perpetrators to justice, it seems clear to everyone at Cyber Command that these are only empty assurances."
"Both cyber attacks are strongly suspected to have been state-sponsored attacks.
“According to the source, one of yesterday’s assaults was launched against a specific group of computers at the United States Department of Defense. The DOD attack specifically targeted an electronic listing that contained the location of all intercontinental ballistic missile launch sites situated across the United States, along with a listing of all United States Navy ships that regularly carry nuclear armaments. This incursion has already been described by some as the worst breach of military security since the Cold War.
“In the second attack, which occurred at exactly the same time as the first, the attackers broke into a computer system at the U.S. Department of Energy and stole detailed data, plans, and schematics for the facilities and the computer systems at no fewer than fifty nuclear power plants scattered across the country. That means the intruders now have detailed information on nearly half of the hundred or so nuclear power plants built across the United States from Seattle to Florida. With the data they stole, the people or entity responsible for the attack could conceivably shut down nuclear power plants, damage systems, or trigger false alarms. It’s remotely possible that they could even cause some or all of the reactors in a plant to melt down.
“While Cyber Command refused to provide any specifics about the attacks, our source told us that yesterday’s cyber attacks against the Department of Defense and the Department of Energy were later traced back to locations inside of the People’s Republic of China. While the Chinese government vehemently denies having anything to do with yesterday’s attacks and offers to do what it can to help bring the perpetrators to justice, it seems clear to everyone at Cyber Command that these are only empty assurances."
CYBERSP@CE, by Jeff W. Horton
http://www.amazon.com/Cybersp-ce-eboo...