Posted on 04/25/2007 9:25:46 PM PDT by blam
Cyber terror threat is growing, says Reid
By George Jones, Political Editor
Last Updated: 4:07am BST 26/04/2007
Terrorists could attempt to cause economic chaos or plane crashes in an electronic attack on the UK's computer networks John Reid, the Home Secretary, said yesterday.
Cyber terrorism could target air traffic control systems
Mr Reid's warning of the "devastating consequences" of cyber terrorism came as he said the reshaping of the Home Office would enable him to "wake up and think about the security of the nation first and foremost every morning".
The Home Office is to be split on May 9, to concentrate on crime reduction, terrorism and mass migration, with Mr Reid directly accountable for assisting the Prime Minister in co-ordinating the Government's security strategy.
Mr Reid said priority was being given to protecting what he described as the country's critical national infrastructure from terrorist attack.
He said al-Qa'eda's aim was to "bleed us to bankruptcy", by attempting to "cripple" financial markets. Western energy supplies were among targets threatened by the terrorist group.
While attacks on oil supplies would cause "incalculable damage", Mr Reid said there was now an additional threat of a terrorist assault on the West's 21st century electronic communication systems.
According to the US Federal Bureau of Investigation, cyber terrorism is any "premeditated, politically motivated attack against information, computer systems, computer programs, and data which results in violence against non-combatant targets by sub-national groups or clandestine agents". A cyber terrorist attack is designed to cause physical violence or extreme financial harm.
The U.S. Commission of Critical Infrastructure Protection says possible cyber terrorist targets include the banking industry, military installations, power plants, air traffic control centres, and water systems.
A report to the US House of Representatives on "cyber terrorism" in 2000 said attacks on computer networks and the information stored in them could cause death or injury through explosions, plane crashes, water contamination as well as severe economic loss.
Such attacks ranged from computer viruses that wiped information from computers, to hackers bombarding Nato computers with "email bombs" during the 1999 Kosovo conflict.
Mr Reid admitted that "scaring people does not produce security". He said the public, business and the government had to work together to protect the national infrastructure.
The "pace, scale and intensity of innovation our adversaries are capable of allows no room for complacency."
The word “Cyber” must have polled high this week. Otherwise... this is ancient news. Chicoms have been attacking us for years.
LLS
"The U.S. Commission of Critical Infrastructure Protection says possible cyber terrorist targets include the banking industry, military installations, power plants, air traffic control centres, and water systems."
You said — “Chicoms have been attacking us for years.”
My firewall gets hammered every day. A lot of it is from China...
You said — “Organized attacks against networks in the United States have been originating from mainland China, and are backed by the Chinese military for YEARS.”
I wouldn’t doubt that a lot of my stuff that I see on my firewall comes from some outfit like that.
This from the lying little turd who claimed we already lost the war.
How low can he go.
He’s just making this stuff up as he goes...he must love the sound of the marbles rolling around in his head.
EMP devices would probably create more economic damage than a thermal nuclear explosion in our current hitech world.
better do sumpin bloke before the phrase ‘Cyber Terrorism’ is banned by the EU.
“These are targets because many have already been compromised.”
OPINION: These are targets because the jihadis still focus on these targets.
“The stories are endless...”
OPINION: Yes, they are. There are a number of individuals that have been arrested who are not jihadis, but did compromise systems (hackers, viruses, etc.) for other reasons than jihad.
Anyway, cyberterrorism (no matter who does it) is a threat.
Wrong person.
This is John Reid, the Home Secretary who is discussing this issue.
Thank you for your feedback Mr. Whiteman.
I understand the threats (short-term and long-term)
that China and Russia hold.
When it comes to the internet, China wants to control
it, in my opinion.
Speaking of opinions, it is my opinion Mr. Whiteman that
you do not have an in depth grasp regarding jihad and
cyberterrorism.
Again, thank you for your feedback, though.
War Against Cyber-Terrorism Lost, says Reid (US)
Dr John Reid-
Fmr Minister of Defence, now running the Home Office. As far as I know, he hasn’t claimed we have ‘lost the war’. Methinks you have the wires crossed here, and are referring to Harry Reid, who I tink is the Senate Leader or something?
OUR Reid, you probably take exception to your point and reward with a Glasgow Kiss.
would probably...
Can I call Spam cyber-terrorism? It feels like it!
Roger... mine too. I have had a static IP address for years. I’ve had to change it a few times due to hacking attempts. Firewall hardware and software keep them out, but sometimes it just gets old watching the continuing attempts. 80% of the attacks are from China.
LLS
Okay. I made a mistake. I saw Reid and thought of Harry Reid. The thought of Harry sent me into rant. I'll pay closer attention next time.
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