Emergency.Blog

Cyber attacks: a new weapon in the state arsenal

September 11, 2007 - 17:08PM

Cyber attacks: a new weapon in the state arsenal

AUSTRALIA: Cyber-attacks against government networks in recent months illustrate how states like China are discovering the power of a new weapon that is less expensive and more discreet than battalions of tanks or spies.

Cyber assaults blamed on China have struck sensitive government sites in Britain, France, Germany and the United States -- including the Pentagon and the French defense ministry, officials recently confirmed to major media. China denies the accusations.

"A state can use these tools to exert its power. States are beginning to understand that, and in a lot of ways the Chinese are taking the lead, and the Russians as well," said Ned Moran of the Terrorism Research Center. "A country like China is realizing that instead of building a robust espionage network, based on people in a country and recruiting spies, they can do the same thing at a very low cost by executing cyber attacks," Moran said.

The expert at the Virginia-based Terrorism Research Center, a branch of Total Intelligence Solutions -- a firm founded by former CIA officials -- said it was clear the recent spate of hacking came from China.

"You can detect patterns, coming from the same country, the same network, with the same type of techniques," he said. "That gives you a sense that it's probably coming from the Chinese, based on what I've seen. The Chinese government either is doing it, or is looking the other way as Chinese citizens are doing it." This article continues at: http://news.brisbanetimes.com.au/cyber-attacks-a-new-weapon-in-the-state-arsenal/20072011-yfl.html

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ERRI/Emergency.com References:

20 Mar 2000 -- Recent DoS Attacks Point Out Already Known Vulnerability of U.S. Infrastructure,"
Section: 'CHINA: The Re-Emerging Dragon'
By: C. L. Staten, CEO and Sr. National Security Analyst
Emergency Response & Research Institute (ERRI)
Can be found on the internet at: http://www.emergency.com/2000/cybersec2000.htm

10 July 2000 -- "The 'Love Bug,' Asymmetric Warfare, and Other Computer Attacks; Future National Security Implications..."
Section: China, Unrestricted Warfare, and Multi-Dimensional Conflict
by C. L. Staten, CEO and Sr. Analyst
Emergency Response & Research Institute (ERRI)
Can be found on the internet at: http://www.emergency.com/2000/compdefnse-implc.htm

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Outside Reference:

DOD: China fielding cyberattack units
BY Josh Rogin
Published on May 25, 2006
URL: http://www.fcw.com/article94650-05-25-06-Web