Cyberspies from China, Russia and other nations have hacked into the U.S. electrical grid and installed software programs that could be used to wreak havoc on the system. National security officials warn the spies could try to damage the power grid during a crisis or war.
This penetration shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone, according to Cisco Fellow and Chief Security Researcher Patrick Peterson, because we all know there are a number of state and non-state actors pursuing U.S. intelligence and disruption of activities.
“The public espionage cases involving Robert Hanssen and Aldrich Ames are two of many examples. Today’s world is wired, and of course these groups have added electronic infiltration to their attack portfolio,” Peterson said. “The report Securing Cyberspace for the 44th Presidency states clearly, ‘Cybersecurity is now a major national security problem for the United States’.”
Avenue for Cyber Attack
New capabilities from nuclear power to the automobile all come with risks, he said, and the use of off-the-shelf technology and networked systems provides an avenue of attack. Peterson thinks this story and others like it are invaluable in providing the visibility and attention to catalyze necessary security improvements.
“The truth is slowly coming out. I for one am hopeful that the truth will set us free. Recent federal activities are promising. President Obama’s comprehensive 60-day review of federal cybersecurity initiatives is due any day now,” Peterson said.
“Senate legislation would create a White House national cybersecurity adviser in charge of coordinating cyber efforts within the intelligence community and within civilian agencies,” he said, “as well as coordinating the public sector’s cooperation with the private sector.”
McAfee Recommends Multi-Function Task Force
Reports of the electrical-grid hacking prompted security experts from McAfee to issue a warning and advice to organizations tasked with protecting the nation’s critical infrastructures. This is a serious wake-up call…