View Cyber war
A cyber war (also known as Cyber-warfare or cyberwar) is the use of computers and the Internet in conducting warfare in cyberspace.
Although so far cyber-warfare has been relatively mild, the potential for loss of control of critical systems such as electricity, or interference with weapons and military activities, means cyber war could pose a global catastrophic risk.
Types of attacks
The more severe forms of cyber attack that can be used in a cyber war include:
*Cyber espionage: Cyber espionage is the act or practice of obtaining secrets from individuals, competitors, rivals, groups, governments and enemies for military, political, or economic advantage using illegal exploitation methods on internet, networks, software and or computers.
*Gathering data: Classified information that is not handled securely can be intercepted and even modified, making espionage possible from the other side of the world.
*Distributed Denial-of-Service Attacks: Large numbers of computers controlled by one person launch a DoS attack against systems
*Equipment disruption: Military activities that use computers and satellites for coordination are at risk from this type of attack. Orders and communications can be intercepted or replaced, putting soldiers at risk.
*Attacking critical infrastructure: Power, water, fuel, communications, commercial and transportation are all vulnerable to a cyber attack.
*Compromised Counterfeit Hardware: Common hardware used in computers and networks that have malicious software hidden inside the software, firmware or even the microprocessors.
Reported threats
Approximately 120 countries have been developing ways to use the Internet as a weapon and target financial markets, government computer systems and utilities. In activities reminiscent of the Cold War, intelligence agencies are routinely testing networks looking for weaknesses.
China is at the forefront of cyber warfare. China has been accused of cyber-attacks on India and Germany and the United States. China denies knowledge of these attacks. It has been argued that China’s involvement is not the fault of its government, but actually only a reflection of the fact that it has the largest number of zombie computers controlled by hackers.
Electrical power grid
The U.S. admits its electric power grid is susceptible to cyber-warfare.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security works with industry to identify vulnerabilities and to help industry enhance the security of control system networks. The federal government is also working to ensure that security is built in as we develop the next generation of ‘smart grid’ networks.
On April 8, 2009, it is believed that China or Russia infiltrated the U.S. electrical grid and left behind software programs that could be used to disrupt the system. The North American Electric Reliability Corporation has issued a public notice that warns that the electrical grid is not adequately protected from cyber attack. China denies intruding into the U.S. electrical grid. One counter measure the U.S. should consider is disconnecting the power grid from the Internet to decrease the likelihood of attack. Massive power outages caused by a cyber attack would cause a crisis making it difficult for the government and emergency workers to respond to critical concerns.
Sources:
Wikipedia