July 8, 2009

FLASHPOINT: Cyber‑attack

Developing Story: US Agencies Under Cyber-Attack

The United States and South Korea have been under sustained Cyber-Attack since the 3rd of July. As of noon EST today [July 8th] the attacks continue unabated, creating chaos in the halls of the U.S. Defense establishment and its South Korean counterpart.

U.S. Targets have been identified as: The US Treasury Department, Secret Service, Federal Trade Commission and Transportation Department, the National Security Agency, Homeland Security Department, State Department, the Nasdaq Stock Market, and The Washington Post. Also targeted are the White House, the Pentagon and the New York Stock Exchange.

Amy Kudwa, spokesperson for the Homeland Security Department, said the agency's U.S. Computer Emergency Readiness Team issued a notice to federal departments and other partner organizations about the problems and "advised them of steps to take to help mitigate against such attacks."

South Korean intelligence officials believe the attacks were carried out by North Korean or pro-Pyongyang forces. U.S. officials so far have refused to publicly discuss details of the attack or where it might have originated. However, intelligence sources have confirmed that the attacks are originating from several global locations, all of which are suspected North Korean Intelligence assets.

The unprecedented scope of the attack illustrates the fact that we as a nation remain under-protected and vulnerable to Cyber warfare. It also confirms the urgent need for new cyber-security measures to be adopted on the National, Municipal, and Corporate level.

return to top — print view

Home | Services | Methodologies | About Terrorism | About GGi | Our Values | The GGi Team | Links | Contact GGi