Major Cyberattack Could Cripple U.S. Infrastructure

A major cyberattack is a “more pressing than an attack by global terrorist networks,” so says James R. Clapper Jr., the Director of National Intelligence.[1] In his annual report to the Congress, Clapper suggested that a major cyberattack could cripple U.S. infrastructure, but at the same time, he said that there is only a remote chance that this could happen in the next two years.

The speed of technological advance is one of the key challenges. “In some cases, the world is applying digital technologies faster than our ability to understand the security implications and mitigate potential risks,” said Mr. Clapper.

How is the U.S. responding? Aggressively and diplomatically. General Keith Alexander, Director of the National Security Agency (NSA) says that the U.S. has launched 13 offensive teams preparing to aggressively resist and counterattack any cyberattacks agains the U.S. General Alexander highlighted the seriousness of the threat by pointing out that Wall Street alone suffered 140 attacks over the last six months. ”When you look at the strategic landscape from our perspective, it’s getting worse.”[2]

Alexander explained that the threat requires the cooperation of multiple agencies including the DOD, the FBI, and the Department of Homeland Security. The various agencies are developing a plan to sharing information on cyber threats with the goals of identifying the source of the attacks, the type of attack (criminal, espionage, destructive), and the protocols for proper action.

Even as the government is launching aggressive surveillance and counterattack measures, the President is employing diplomatic efforts as well. In his congratulatory call to Xi Jinping, the new Chinese president, Obama discussed cyberthreats, and “the loss of United States intellectual property from cyberattacks.”[3]

This is yet another reminder that the government and businesses alike must be vigilant and prepared.

[1] Mark Mazzetti and Scott Shane. “Spy Chief Calls Cyberattacks Top Threat to the U.S.” New York Times, March 12, 2013
[2] Jim Michaels. “General says cyberthreats ‘are growing’.” USA Today, March 12, 2013
[3] Nicole Perlroth. “Cyberattacks a Topic in Obama Call With New Chinese President.” New York Times blog, March 14, 2013

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