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CIA identifies cyber terror groups
By Nick Farrell [30-10-2002]

A CIA report has warned that a number of terrorist groups are hatching plans to attack Western computer networks.
The report, which is a response to a list of questions from a US senator, names Sunni extremists Hezbollah and Aleph as groups believed to be developing cyber terrorism plans. The report claims that the CIA is "alert to the possibility of cyber warfare attack by terrorists on critical infrastructure systems that rely on electronic and computer networks". It added that attacks against critical infrastructure systems will become an increasingly viable option for terrorists, as they become more familiar with these targets and the technologies required to attack them. The report identifies al-Qaeda and Hezbollah as becoming "more adept at using the internet and computer technologies". "The FBI is monitoring an increasing number of cyber threats and the sort of groups most likely to conduct such operations include al-Qaeda and the Sunni extremists that support their goals against the US," said the report. Aleph, formely known as Aum Shinrikyo, is the terrorist group that places the highest level of importance on developing cyber skills. "This group identifies itself as a cyber cult and derives millions of dollars a year from computer retailing," the report stated.

*****now, don't you feel much safer knowing that the CIA is "alert" and the FBI are "monitoring" the situation? Haven't we heard that before? Oh yeah, they admitted they weren't focusing on terrorist groups - pot smokers are much more dangerous.******

In a related article...

IG: State Department flunks systems security
By Wilson P. Dizard III
GCN Staff

The State Department�s information system security remains weak a year after the department was told of serious flaws, according to a recent report by the State inspector general�s office. The IG reviewed system security in accordance with the Government Information Security Reform Act, which calls for annual reviews. Even though State made a plan for certifying and accrediting its systems, it has no timetable, according to the IG. Department officials had certified and accredited only 4 percent of systems by August, the report said. In addition, even though 72 percent of the department�s 358 systems have security classifications, only 15 percent have security plans, it said. Investigators also found problems at overseas posts, where the information system security officers �generally were not performing all the requisite duties,� the report said. None of the 11 posts visited by the investigators had information security plans, according to the report, which also criticized poor management, technical and operational controls that increase �the risk to mission operations.� The IG�s office said it will make recommendations to correct the problems. State officials did not respond to repeated requests for comment on the report.

***But, since W handles all the foreign affairs now, it really doesn't matter. CP is just another "Alabama porchmonkey."***

posted by An Old Curmudgeon 7:57 AM