Author Topic: FBI Suspects Terrorists Are Exploring Cyber Attacks  (Read 2623 times)

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Offline Thor

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FBI Suspects Terrorists Are Exploring Cyber Attacks
« on: November 18, 2009, 12:54:12 PM »
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FBI Suspects Terrorists Are Exploring Cyber Attacks

By SIOBHAN GORMAN

The Federal Bureau of Investigation is looking at people with suspected links to al Qaeda who have shown an interest in mounting an attack on computer systems that control critical U.S. infrastructure, a senior official told Congress Tuesday.

While there is no evidence that terrorist groups have developed sophisticated cyber-attack capabilities, a lack of security protections in U.S. computer software increases the likelihood that terrorists could execute attacks in the future, the official warned.

If terrorists were to amass such capabilities, they would be wielded with "destructive and deadly intent," Steven Chabinsky, deputy assistant director of the FBI's Cyber Division, told the Senate Judiciary Committee Tuesday.

"The FBI is aware of and investigating individuals who are affiliated with or sympathetic to al Qaeda who have recognized and discussed the vulnerabilities of the U.S. infrastructure to cyber-attack," Mr. Chabinsky told the committee, without providing details.

Such infrastructure could include power grids and transportation systems.

The control systems of U.S. infrastructure as well as money transfers are now connected directly or indirectly to the Internet. Hackers have been able to penetrate computer systems running components of the U.S. electric grid as well as divert bank transfers.

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http://online.wsj.com/article/SB125850773065753011.html?mod=WSJ_hpp_MIDDLENexttoWhatsNewsSecond


If they get into our computer systems, they could wreak havoc in the US. We aren't as secure as we need to be. Then there's the entire reliance on computer systems. We need to have old school backups for critical systems.
« Last Edit: November 18, 2009, 01:29:42 PM by Chris »
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Offline thundley4

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Re: FBI Suspects Terrorists Are Exploring Cyber Attacks
« Reply #1 on: November 18, 2009, 01:07:51 PM »
How much of this is real, and how much is fear-mongering?  We have heard of plans for the government being able to take over the internet.  All it would take is one simulated/phony attack to let them do it. :tinfoil2:

Offline Thor

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Re: FBI Suspects Terrorists Are Exploring Cyber Attacks
« Reply #2 on: November 18, 2009, 01:16:43 PM »
How much of this is real, and how much is fear-mongering?  We have heard of plans for the government being able to take over the internet.  All it would take is one simulated/phony attack to let them do it. :tinfoil2:

This is true. However, one way to truly harm this country is to disrupt it's communications systems. Look at how 9/11 affected the economy. IMO, we rely far too much on computers, which are vulnerable to many outside influences. Just imagine how an EMP burst would affect this country. Most of today's vehicles wouldn't even work, not to mention the massive disruption something like that would cause. If the terrorist compromise our networks, we're going to have serious problems. Look at the attacks on our networks that the Chinese have allegedly committed.
"The state must declare the child to be the most precious treasure of the people. As long as the government is perceived as working for the benefit of the children, the people will happily endure almost any curtailment of liberty and almost any deprivation."- IBID

I AM your General Ne'er Do Well, Troublemaker & All Around Meanie!!

"Congress has not unlimited powers to provide for the general welfare, but only those specifically enumerated."-Thomas Jefferson