“China and ‘one or two’ other countries are capable of mounting cyberattacks that would shut down the electric grid and other critical systems in parts of the United States, according to Adm. Michael Rogers, director of the National Security Agency and head of U.S. Cyber Command.”
OODA Insight – This is a classic confirmation of what industry experts have been saying for nearly a decade. There are several countries that have the capability to launch an attack that will have a sustained impact on critical infrastructure. However, there are no countries with the capability that currently have the intent to launch an attack on U.S. critical infrastructure. Fear of escalation, global condemnation, and economic interdependence are just a few of the deterrents that prevent the capable from launching an attack. Alternatively, there are many countries and other entities that have the intent but not the capability. What we need to focus our attention on is the potential alignment of intent and capability in future threat scenarios.
For more on long-term strategic cyber threats, read Strategic Cyber Threats: The Long View
Source:NSA Director: Yes, China Can Shut Down Our Power Grids – Business Insider
