- US Central Command Hacked by Islamic Hackers: US Central Command’s Twitter and YouTube accounts have been hacked by a group claiming to back Islamic State, reports BBC News. While an unnamed Pentagon official said the hacking was an embarrassment but did not appear to be a security threat, one message by the hackers read: “American soldiers, we are coming, watch your back.” Read the full report here.
- Anonymous Threatens Islamic Terrorists: USA Today reports that one of the hacktivist groups using the name Anonymous has vowed to attack Islamic terrorist websites and social media accounts in revenge for the Charlie Hebdo murders in Paris. According to the report, the group released a video in French on YouTube with the following message: “We are declaring war against you, the terrorists” and vowed to close accounts on social networks linked to terrorists. A statement allegedly written by a member of the Hacktivist report warns “. . . we can’t fall down, it is our responsibility to react . . . expect a massive reaction from us.”
- Islamic Hackers Respond: According to mirror.co.uk, Islamic hackers led by a well-known pro-Palestinian group called AnonGhost have responded by launching a digital jihad against France and Anonymous. In addition to a number of hacks on banks and websites, the group stated: “Your freedom of speech [meant that] it was only a matter of time before someone was going to display their freedom of action against you . . .How long can you poke a lion before… he strikes back?” the hackers continued.” Read the full report here.
- NSA – More Offensive Tactics for Cyber-security? The director of the National Security Agency, Mike Rogers, claims hackers have come to believe there is ‘little price to pay’ for stealing data, reports The Wall Street Journal. Yet with the current issues with attribution, should the government more forcefully respond to foreign countries that engage in cyberattacks? Mike Rogers thinks so. For the full article, click here.
- US Did Not ‘Hack Back’ Against North Korea: According to a report by TopTechNews, contingents have debated privately whether to acknowledge that the U.S. played no role in North Korea’s disruptions or remain silent to avoid detailed conversations about U.S. capabilities and policy on offensive cyber operations, which are considered highly classified. However, the report goes on to state that a recent disclosure denying U.S. involvement was intended to convey how seriously the administration considers offensive cyberattacks. Read the full report here.
- Other Cyber News:
- UK Power Grid Hacked: Bloomberg reports that the U.K. power grid is under attack from Hackers every minute. According to the report, Britain’s electricity transmission network is constantly subject to cyber-attack and threats to infrastructure will remain high over the next few months.
- Swiss Bank Threatened by Hackers: Reuters reports that hackers threatened to reveal confidential client information of a Swiss bank if its demands for payment were not met. According to the report, the hacker’s tactics “play into fears of tax dodgers and cheats using hidden Swiss accounts that their identity could be exposed.”
- Snowden on NSA’s Offensive Cyber Policy: NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden claims the spy agency spends more taxpayer money launching cyber attacks than it does protecting America from the intrusion, AOL reports. This disclosure came out during an interview for PBS’NOVA which will be released in the near future. Read more about Snowden’s interview here.
cyber attack, Cyber Jihad, hacktivist
Cyber Round Up: US Central Command Hacked; Anonymous vs. Islamic Terrorists; NSA Director Pushes for Stronger Cyber Responses; US Denies ‘Hack Back’ Against North Korea
Cyber Espionage
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Cyber Espionage
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