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US Amps Up Planning for Cyber Arms Race

Obama set to announce big steps in digital defense program

By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff

Posted Apr 28, 2009 9:00 AM CDT

(Newser) – With daily attacks on both public and private computer systems in the US mounting into the thousands, President Obama is expected to announce an overhaul of US strategy to defend against cyberwarfare—building on a $17 billion program Congress approved last year—and name a White House cyberwarfare boss, the New York Times reports. But the president will likely keep quiet about the US’ own offensive capabilities, nurtured with billions of dollars in recent years.

The US has already used cyber-weapons against al-Qaeda and Iran, in the former case to plot a trap, and in the latter to slow nuclear weapons development, the Times notes. But the cyber arms races is just kicking into gear. Potential weapons would allow the US to invade foreign servers to wipe out threatening programs, or even control foreign computers through the Internet. The focus is on preempting attacks that could cripple US power stations, communications, aviation, or financial systems. “The ability to threaten the US money supply is the equivalent of today’s nuclear weapon,” says a former national intelligence chief.

The Obama administration is set to announce big steps to defend in cyberwarfare.
The Obama administration is set to announce big steps to defend in cyberwarfare.   (Shutterstock)
The US has devoted billions to developing cyber-weapons and defenses of its own.
The US has devoted billions to developing cyber-weapons and defenses of its own.   (Shutterstock)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 4 comments
Timinator2K
Apr 28, 2009 5:46 AM CDT
One NK burst and we're off to the races, One Chinese all-out cyber attack and Welcome to Armageddon.
Timinator2K
Apr 28, 2009 5:45 AM CDT
And its about time, too! Hacking is considered a Chinese National Past Time and with their glut of grads, they'll keep themselves busy phucking with everybody possible.
Observer
Apr 28, 2009 2:17 AM CDT
The ability to attack electronic infrastructure is very real. Good hackers can disrupt any complex system on Earth. The electrical and phone systems are obvious targets, as are financial systems. What about our Nuclear Weapons systems. How safe are they really? One large electromagnetic nuke burst above Kansas and the US is paralyzed. Microchips are the Achilles heel of all modern nations. Maybe Somalia, Yemen and Afghanistan will come out on top after all. Hail to the Ludites.

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