Hackers cracked military systems and cut mains power

Posted on 10 Nov 2009 at 11:54

Cyber warfare is a reality that could cause significant damage to a country's infrastructure. No longer the stuff of Hollywood action thrillers, computer operators working for foreign powers or terrorist groups have the capability to wreak havoc by interfering with electric power supplies.

Not only do they have the technical skill and motivation but they have a history of activity, according to the ex-head of US intelligence agencies. Retired Admiral Mike McConnell, who oversaw organisations including the CIA and NSA, told the CBS News programme 60 Minutes that not only do attackers have the capability to bring down the US power grid but that the country is not prepared for such an attack.

McConnell's recently aired fears are an echo of a speech made by US President Obama earlier this year, when he said, "We know that cyber intruders have probed our electrical grid, and that in other countries cyber attacks have plunged entire cities into darkness."

The CBS report also quotes Jim Lewis, director of the Center for Strategic and International Studies, who prepared a report on cyber security for President Obama. Lewis claims that in 2007 an unknown foreign power penetrated "all of the high tech agencies" including the Department of Defense and "probably the NSA". The attackers downloaded terabytes of data.

This time last year, an attacker was able to access US military computer systems that were directly involved in war operations in Afghanistan and Iraq. This access allowed the perpetrator to spy and potential control systems. They were, in the words of Lewis, "part of the American military command."

Author: Simon Edwards