Download Report: Pentagon Makes a Convincing Case – Chinese Military Launching Cyber Attacks
The
U.S. for the first time is publicly warning about the Chinese military’s use of
civilian computer experts in clandestine cyber attacks aimed at American
companies and government agencies. In a move that is being seen as a pointed
signal to Beijing, the Pentagon laid out its concerns this week in a carefully
worded report. The People’s Liberation Army, the Pentagon said, is using
“information warfare units” to develop viruses to attack enemy computer systems
and networks, and those units include civilian computer professionals. The
assertion shines a light on a quandary that has troubled American authorities for
some time: How does the U.S. deal with cyber espionage emanating from China and
almost certainly directed by the government — despite the fact that U.S.
officials don’t have or can’t show proof of those ties? Asked about the
civilian hackers, a Defense Department spokesman said the Pentagon is concerned
about any potential threat to its computer networks. The Pentagon, said a spokesman
will monitor the PLA’s buildup of its cyberwarfare capabilities, and “will
continue to develop capabilities to counter any potential threat.”