Hackers have been close to causing major damage against government networks
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We talk about hacks against US government computers a lot on Tech Report. That’s because we are AT WAR. There are people constantly trying to break into all sorts of military and intelligence networks all the time. It’s not a war with bullets and tanks but a war it certainly is.
Speaking at an event yesterday, Department of Homeland Security honcho Janet Napolitano said that there have been some recent instances where hackers came close to shutting down major parts of the government infrastructure.
Politico quotes:
“It could theoretically cause a loss of life, but also a huge economic loss,” Napolitano said at a Washington Post Live conference Thursday morning. “We’ve seen attempts on Wall Street, transportation systems, things of those sorts.”
There is a pending Senate bill to clarify security procedures, a bill that’s based in part on DHS’s recommendations, but it’s not clear whether it will reach a floor vote.
She said that groups like Al Qaeda are not really the kind of attackers were talking about here.
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