host posted on November 10, 2009 13:11
60 Minutes Report on US Cyber Security - November 9, 2009
A recent report on US television news program 60 Minutes looked at how effectively the US government is protecting its computer systems from attacks. Former Chief of US National Intelligence and retired Admiral Mike McConnell spoke candidly about the possibility that those wanting to attack the US could take down the country's electric power grid. Director of the Center for Strategic and International Studies Jim Lewis spoke of a computer security breach at the CENTCOM network in which intruders managed to gain access to a highly sensitive US military computer system and stay inside for days. The breach may have been made possible through planted, infected flash drives; the US military has since banned the use of the portable memory devices. The report also cited sources as saying that in 2005 and again in 2007, cyber attackers targeted cities in Brazil, knocking out power for hours. Brazilian officials maintain that the 2007 blackout was due to negligent maintenance of high voltage insulators.
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/11/06/60minutes/main5555565.shtml