Recent hack sheds light on vulnerability to attack
This week, Gov. Nikki Haley announced the unfortunate news that 3.6 million South Carolina citizens fell victim to a hacking scandal compromising their social security numbers. Additionally, almost 400,000 had their credit and debit card numbers hacked as well. The governor related that the cyber-crime was committed by an international hacker. While it is not known from which country or countries the hacker(s) originate, this scandal should highlight the lack of preparedness of the United States regarding cyber threats.
In February, the Bipartisan Policy Center hosted an event to raise awareness of the risk posed by cyber-terrorism. The guest group, Cyber Shockwave, simulated the potential destructiveness of cyber warfare. The possibilities included millions of smartphones shut down by malware, the entire power-grid on the Eastern seaboard being shut down and electronic commodity trading at a standstill. Earlier this month the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence released its report regarding China’s cyber threat. It included reports of Chinese firms hacking the Departments of State, Energy, Defense and Homeland Security as well as private businesses.
To make matters worse, the US government has no national contingency plan for such an emergency. Plans are in place for emergencies related to nuclear attacks, floods and hurricanes but not for cyber crises. In the current polarized climate, the U.S. must do everything within its power to protect itself and its citizens from cyber threats and develop and maintain preparedness for emergencies that could occur.