Pentagon Computer Network Hacked by Chinese Army

According to information released by US sources on the 3^rd September 2007, the Chinese military successfully gained access to a Pentagon computer network three months ago. The hack stands as the most significant of its kind ever recorded. Acknowledgment was initially provided by the Pentagon that components of a computer system used by the US Defence Secretary, Robert Gates, were closed down. It did not, however, elaborate on the possible source of this security infringement.

Despite this, in conversation with the media, it has now come to light that, during an internal investigation into the matter, the People's Liberation Army of China was identified as the culprit.

As per one official, the Pentagon was able to determine precisely where the attack came from. Another, demonstrating his familiarity with the infringement, stated how the PLA's association was regarded with " (a) very high level of confidence...trending towards total certainty". To date, neither confirmation nor denial has been provided by Beijing.

When visiting China recently, the German Chancellor, Angela Merkel (recently proclaimed the most powerful woman in the world), mentioned reports that China had violated the security of computers operated by the German government. Having spoken to the Premier of China, Wen Jiabao, a statement was issued in which the Chinese government was said to stand against "any criminal acts undermining computer systems, including hacking". The release was prepared by the Chinese Foreign Ministry, a spokesman from which added: "We have explicit laws and regulations in this regard... hacking is a global issue and China is frequently a victim."

While it is understood that some level of mutual probing does takes place between US/Chinese military/defence networks, the Pentagon attack can be isolated as an worrying example of China's ability to affect confidential security systems. As per one source, previously employed within US government: "The PLA has demonstrated the ability to conduct attacks that disable our system...and the ability in a conflict situation to re-enter and disrupt on a very large scale."

Following the attacks, which Security International understands came after several months of assessment, the network concerned was put out of operation for more than seven days. Although investigations into the amount of data actually gathered remain ongoing, it is thought that the majority of it was unclassified. According to the Pentagon's prime Asia official in place when the attacks happened: "These are multiple wake-up calls stirring us to levels of more aggressive vigilance."

 Source _ Security International's US Correspondent

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