Private sector still in denial about cyber threat, says former FBI official
- By Defense Systems Staff
- Jul 27, 2012
A cyber expert familiar with the tactics of hackers and terrorists bent on disrupting U.S. critical infrastucture says attempts earlier this year to penetrate the networks of several natural gas pipeline operators should serve as a wake-up call to the private sector, reports CNN.
In his July 25 keynote at the annual Black Hat security event, former FBI cybercrime official Shawn Henry said that terrorist groups are contemplating using the cyber realm as a battle zone in which they could cripple their enemies by taking down public utilities such as water, gas and electricity.
While working for the FBI, Henry said he observed the rise of an army of patient, sophisticated hackers who not only have siphoned off a significant portion of America's key military and commercial intellectual property, but also are preparing for future attacks on critical infrastructure.
Henry made a direct appeal to security professionals attending the event to take action by helping foster greater public-private collaboration and information sharing.
"This is probably the first time in history that civilians are on the front lines of the battle every day. That's you," Henry told attendees.