(Cyber) Spies Penetrate U.S. Electrical Grid
Spies Penetrate U.S. Electrical Grid
National Security Officials Say System Is Under Attack From Russian And Chinese Cyber Spies
April 8, 2009
(CBS/ AP) The U.S. electrical grid is under attack from Russian and Chinese cyber spies who have inserted software that could disrupt the system, current and former national security officials tell the Wall Street Journal.
So far, these spies have not tried to damage the system, but the possibility remains likely should a war or national security crisis hit the United States, the officials said.
"The Chinese have attempted to map our infrastructure, such as the electrical grid," a senior intelligence official told the newspaper. "So have the Russians."
In addition to electrical systems, nuclear power plants and financial networks; water and sewage systems are also at risk, officials said.
"There are intrusions, and they are growing. There were a lot last year," a former Homeland Security official told the newspaper.
The report follows a Pentagon announcement Tuesday which showed more than $100 million was spent in the last six months responding to and repairing damage from cyber attacks and other computer network problems, military leaders said.
Complete posting.
National Security Officials Say System Is Under Attack From Russian And Chinese Cyber Spies
April 8, 2009
(CBS/ AP) The U.S. electrical grid is under attack from Russian and Chinese cyber spies who have inserted software that could disrupt the system, current and former national security officials tell the Wall Street Journal.
So far, these spies have not tried to damage the system, but the possibility remains likely should a war or national security crisis hit the United States, the officials said.
"The Chinese have attempted to map our infrastructure, such as the electrical grid," a senior intelligence official told the newspaper. "So have the Russians."
In addition to electrical systems, nuclear power plants and financial networks; water and sewage systems are also at risk, officials said.
"There are intrusions, and they are growing. There were a lot last year," a former Homeland Security official told the newspaper.
The report follows a Pentagon announcement Tuesday which showed more than $100 million was spent in the last six months responding to and repairing damage from cyber attacks and other computer network problems, military leaders said.
Complete posting.