Defense Secretary Panetta Warns of Potential Cyberattack Threats
By emeadows
October 15, 2012
October 15, 2012
- U.S. Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta warned last week of the possibility of a “cyber-Pearl Harbor,” suggesting the country is “increasingly vulnerable to foreign computer hackers who could dismantle the nation’s power grid, transportation system, financial networks and government,” reports The New York Times.
- Panetta’s speech in New York City was a reaction to “increasing aggressiveness and technological advances by the nation’s adversaries, which officials identified as China, Russia, Iran and militant groups,” notes the article.
- “An aggressor nation or extremist group could use these kinds of cyber tools to gain control of critical switches,” Panetta said. “They could derail passenger trains, or even more dangerous, derail passenger trains loaded with lethal chemicals. They could contaminate the water supply in major cities, or shut down the power grid across large parts of the country.”
- While Pentagon officials say Panetta’s speech was not hyperbole, they also acknowledge that he’s pushing for new legislation on Capitol Hill.
- “It would require new standards at critical private-sector infrastructure facilities — like power plants, water treatment facilities and gas pipelines — where a computer breach could cause significant casualties or economic damage,” explains NYT.
- “If we detect an imminent threat of attack that will cause significant physical destruction in the United States or kill American citizens, we need to have the option to take action against those who would attack us, to defend this nation when directed by the president,” said Panetta.
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