Chinese hackers allegedly have the capability to bring life as we know it in America to a screeching halt. Recent headlines about cyber espionage by China have caused concern for infrastructure in the United States. Worries about an attack on our antiquated and over-taxed power grid continue to snag air-time and may have increased the prepper ranks in America.
China has strongly denied the hacking claims and maintains the allegations lack “technical proof,” according to The Australian . American industries supposedly at the top of the cyber hacking hit list include agriculture, metals, mining, and energy.
Mandiant, an internet security firm, recently published a 76-page report about what it termed an Advanced Persistent Threat No. 1, or APT1, the Huffington Post . The report focuses on the alleged Chinese hackers in the Pudong New Area of Shanghai.
The internet security firm believes that possibly thousands of computer hackers are employed in the Pudong region. The cyber attacks stemming from the area supposedly began in 2006 and include data stolen from 141 agencies in various industries.
An excerpt from the Mandiant report about alleged Chinese hackers reads:
“We believe that organizations related to China’s strategic priorities are potential targets of APT1’s comprehensive cyber espionage campaign. While we have certainly seen the group target some industries more heavily than others, our observations confirm that APT1 has targeted at least four of the seven strategic emerging industries that China has identified in its 12th Five Year Plan.”
If a Chinese cyber attack successfully hacks the power grid, the impact would be devastating. A downed power grid would not only impact the business realm, but the military and health of American citizens as well. Unless you live off the grid and are can supply your family with food, water, and fuel without, the lack of electricity would impact nearly every aspect of your life.
What do you think should be done about the alleged Chinese hackers and cyber attack threat to the power grid?
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