Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Foreign Cyberspies Threaten Electrical Grid

By John Johnson,  Newser Staff

Posted Apr 7, 2009 8:15 PM CDT

(Newser) – It may sound like a B-grade espionage thriller, but foreign cyberspies have infiltrated the US electrical grid and stand ready to wreak havoc at the right moment, the Wall Street Journal reports. The foreign hackers—from China, Russia, and elsewhere—have left behind software programs that could theoretically allow them to bring mayhem to the grid. Security officials say, however, that they're not sure about the hackers' motives and don't see an immediate threat.

"There are intrusions, and they are growing," said a former Homeland Security official. "There were a lot last year." The exact identities of the hackers are impossible to determine, but the big trails lead to Russia and China, and the sophistication of the intrusions suggests foreign governments. Intelligence officials fear the cybertraps could be sprung during a time of crisis or even war.

Foreign cyberspies have infiltrated the US electricity grid, intelligence experts say.
Foreign cyberspies have infiltrated the US electricity grid, intelligence experts say.   (Shutter Stock)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow

A number of nations, including Russia and China, can disrupt elements of the US information infrastructure. - Director of National Intelligence
Dennis Blair, to lawmakers.

« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 6 comments
Zebraone
Apr 9, 2009 1:14 AM CDT
Why threaten it?~~~ The damn thing is going to collapse this summer, anyways!
Robert_Dada
Apr 8, 2009 12:50 PM CDT
Say goodnight to the American Empire Fanboys and Fangirls.
Rob
Apr 8, 2009 11:38 AM CDT
Getting back at us? As if we started it? lol This back and forth has been going on since the dawn and i doubt anyone can say who started it. Now it's cyberwar and we all have to play. If we used these tactics on "them" first, well good! I hope we have moved forward and figured out better tactics while they are still using old tired ones.

More Newser Stories

UK: Yeah, We Used Lame Fake Rock in Spying

Secret Cold War Project Revealed After 45 Years

US Army Busts Soldier, Will Face Spying Charges

UN Tries to Threaten Syria With Sanctions

FBI Leak Reveals US Spying on Israeli Embassy in DC


NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne