Tuesday, April 19, 2005

u.s. military spends millions on super hackers


just released! government funding super hackers that can launch cyber attacks, release viruses and shut down enemy websites. they have every resource imaginable, and don't have to answer to the law. infringement of free speech? superscary? it's like the government suddenly funding packs of wild dogs. full article at wired news, select highlights below.


The U.S. military has assembled the world's most formidable hacker posse: a super-secret, multimillion-dollar weapons program that may be ready to launch bloodless cyberwar against enemy networks -- from electric grids to telephone nets.

In simple terms and sans any military jargon, the unit could best be described as the world's most formidable hacker posse. Ever.

Verton said the unit's capabilities are highly classified, but he believes they can destroy networks and penetrate enemy computers to steal or manipulate data. He said they may also be able to set loose a worm to take down command-and-control systems so the enemy is unable to communicate and direct ground forces, or fire surface-to-air missiles, for example.


but what's really scary is...


Last summer, the internet-posted execution of American civilian Nicholas Berg sparked a debate about the offensive capabilities of the CNA program, said retired U.S. Army Col. Lawrence Dietz.

The Berg execution, a gruesome example of Netpolitiking (.pdf), sparked a back-room debate at the highest levels, involving the State Department, the Department of Justice and the Defense Department, said Dietz.

The debate focused on whether the United States should shut down a website as soon as it posts such brutality.


free speech? you were nice while you lasted.

idea via smart mobs

1 comment:

Paul McDonald said...

geez, the military finally figured out that there are hackers?