The Friday Brief
Last Updated on Friday, 10 October 2008 01:45 Written by admin Friday, 10 October 2008 01:45
Lots of Cyber-related news to mull over today:
Men Indicted Over Cyber Attacks
Two Europeans were indicted for allegedly launching internet attacks to shut down two retail websites in the US. A federal grand jury indicted Lee Graham Walker of Britain and Axel Gembe of Germany on charges of conspiracy and intentionally damaging computer networks that belonged to Miami-based Rapid Satellite and Los Angeles-based Weaknees.
Homeland Security seeks Cyber Counter-Attack System
Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff on Friday said he’d like to see a government computer infrastructure that could look for early indications of computer skullduggery and stop it before it happens.
The system “would literally, like an anti-aircraft weapon, shoot down an attack before it hits its target,” he said. “And that’s what we call Einstein 3.0.”
Pentagon Debates Development of Offensive Cyberspace Activities
WASHINGTON — Igniting a provocative new debate, senior military officials are pushing the Pentagon to go on the offensive in cyberspace by developing the ability to attack other nations’ computer systems, rather than concentrating on defending America’s electronic security.Under the most sweeping proposals, military experts would acquire the know-how to commandeer the unmanned aerial drones of adversaries, disable enemy warplanes in mid-flight and cut off electricity at precise moments to strategic locations, such as military installations, while sparing humanitarian facilities, such as hospitals.
An expansion of offensive capabilities in cyberspace would represent an important change for the military. For years, U.S. officials have been reluctant to militarize what is widely seen as a medium for commerce and communication — much like space.But a new National Military Strategy for Cyberspace Operations, declassified earlier this year, fueled the Pentagon debate and gave the military a green light to push for expanded capabilities.
