United States security officials are sounded the warning against possible power outages brought about by cyberattacks from hacker - and hacktivist - groups like Anonymous.
US National Security Agency director Gen. Keith Alexander gave this assessment to the White House and other private sessions, The Wall Street Journal reported.
Citing people familiar with the gatherings, the WSJ report said that, while Alexander has not publicly voiced such concerns, he has warned about an emerging ability by cyberattackers to disable or even damage computer networks.
So far, Anonymous - and groups allied with it - had concentrated mainly on exposing data or knocking sites offline, usually for a cause.
But the WSJ noted that Alexander's warning may show a growing federal concern over the capabilities of Anonymous, which had previously launched high-profile cyberassaults against U.S. government and corporate targets including Visa, MasterCard and eBay Inc.'s PayPal service.
"The group has never listed a power blackout as a goal, but some federal officials believe Anonymous is headed in a more disruptive direction. An attack on a network would be consistent with recent public claims and threats by the group. Last week, for instance, Anonymous announced a plan to shut down the Internet on March 31, which it calls Operation Global Blackout," the WSJ said.
"It's a real threat," said James Lewis, a cybersecurity specialist at the Center for Strategic and International Studies who is currently researching the group. "You want to occupy Wall Street? How about turn Wall Street off? Even for a day."
Internet blackout prospects low
The WSJ said experts consider the likelihood of an Internet blackout low since the Internet should be able to absorb the attack the group outlined, said Richard Bejtlich, chief security officer at computer-security company Mandiant.
On the other hand, an attack by Anonymous on the power grid may inflict limited damage but would likely sow alarm, especially if Anonymous took credit publicly.
Grid officials said they have devoted tremendous resources to repelling invaders, whether from Anonymous or some other source.
"The industry is engaged and stepping up widely to respond to emerging cyber threats. There is a recognition that there are groups out there like Anonymous, and we are concerned, as are other sectors," said one electric-industry official. "."
Another industry official noted the electric grid has backup systems that allow utilities to restore power quickly if it is taken out by a cyberattack or other event.
Read the rest of this article at: http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/248850/scitech/technology/anonymous-hackers-getting-more-disruptive-could-cause-power-outage
No comments:
Post a Comment