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US, UK Plan Cyber Strike on Foreign Hackers

By Mary Papenfuss, Newser Staff

Posted Jun 4, 2009 5:07 AM CDT

(Newser) – US and UK law enforcement authorities are planning a preemptive strike on hackers to protect national security, reports the Guardian. The secret plans are triggered by skyrocketing computer crimes launched from China, Russia and North Korea believed to be state sponsored. The "strikeback" attacks will target hackers' computers, disrupt them, and, in some cases, block internet access, according to officials.

"This is considered to be a key activity," said a former CIA officer. "We are being penetrated and it is not in our tradition to sit back and do nothing."

[Images (2)]

[Quotes (1)]

Cybercrime targeted the US and Britain has skyrocketed from China, Russia and North Korea. (©tsmall)

Law enforcement authorities aim to disrupt hackers computers to stem a crime wave they believe is state sponsored. (©Sunshine Rabbit)

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This is a huge, huge deal in Washington. If we can identify who is doing this to us, then we can return fire with a payload that takes them out. - Former CIA official involved in planning campaign

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COMMENTS

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Showing 3 of 5 comments

Fondue

Jun 4, 2009 1:50 AM CDT

ert!....I meant "all they do is..."

Fondue

Jun 4, 2009 1:48 AM CDT

It's funny, you blame Newser, but they do is condense articles from other news media, hince SOURCE: Guardian (UK). Have another cup of Joe, you seem to not be fully awakened from your dreams.

Observer

Jun 4, 2009 1:46 AM CDT

Our technologists (and the Israelis) are by far the best in the world. We can cripple any system at will. Don't think for a minute that our electronic counter-measures can't waste China or Russia in a heartbeat. One nuclear detonation high over China will fry every circuit in the country. Of course - that is a bit obvious. We control the telecom systems that control the world. The Japanese, Germans, Brits, French, Indians and Swedes will all go along with us. Our space weapons can destroy every satellite of interest in an afternoon. Single hackers can be toasted at will. This isn't news.

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Guardian (UK) (Source Grid »)

World • Technology

China • Russia • North Korea • CIA • hackers • cybercrime • hacking • computer • computer crime • preemptive strike

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