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Cyberspies Steal Pentagon's Jet-Fighter Plans

Hackers, possibly Chinese, download specs for Joint Strike Fighter

By Jason Farago,  Newser Staff

Posted Apr 21, 2009 5:14 AM CDT
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(Newser) – Cyberspies believed to be working from China repeatedly penetrated the computers of one of the Pentagon's most important weapons programs, reports the Wall Street Journal. Hackers broke into the system for the Joint Strike Fighter Project—the Defense Department's most expensive program ever at $300 billion—and downloaded several terabytes of information, according to multiple sources. "There's never been anything like it," said one official.

Hackers were able to crack the system by exploiting vulnerabilities in the networks of Pentagon contractors, including aerospace giant Lockheed Martin. While the attacks appeared to originate from China, it's relatively easy for cyberspies to disguise their true location. The Chinese embassy said in a statement that officials opposed cybercrime and that the allegations were "intentionally fabricated to fan up China threat sensation."

The Lockheed Martin Joint Strike Fighter is unveiled during a ceremony in Fort Worth, Texas. Hackers believed to be working from China broke into Lockheed Martin's computer systems.
The Lockheed Martin Joint Strike Fighter is unveiled during a ceremony in Fort Worth, Texas. Hackers believed to be working from China broke into Lockheed Martin's computer systems.   (AP Photo/LM Otero, file)
Defense Secretary Robert Gates speak to reporters during a news briefing at the Pentagon.
Defense Secretary Robert Gates speak to reporters during a news briefing at the Pentagon.   (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta, File)
The Lockheed Martin F-35B is unveiled in Fort Worth, Texas, in 2007.
The Lockheed Martin F-35B is unveiled in Fort Worth, Texas, in 2007.   (AP Photo/Donna McWilliam, File)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 8 comments
Timinator2K
Apr 22, 2009 1:50 AM CDT
Hacking is a Chinese national past time...now the story is being denied.
Robert_Dada
Apr 21, 2009 12:22 PM CDT
Dumb Americans should suffice.
Doctor-Zaius
Apr 21, 2009 10:50 AM CDT
Can we start calling them the Red Chinese again:?

22% of cyberattacks come from China
San Francisco Chronicle

Lockheed Martin's role in the Pentagon program
The Hill

 
China • Pentagon • cyberwarfare • US military • Department of Defense • hackers • Joint Strike Fighter • Chinese military

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