The FBI’s cybersecurity arm is warning that the imminent threat of war with Iraq and escalating tensions with North Korea could lead to increased attacks against U.S. networks. “Recent experience has shown that during a time of increased international tension, illegal cyber activity…often escalates,” the FBI’s warning says. This activity can be state sponsored or can originate within another country which is party to the tension. It can be state sponsored or encouraged or come from domestic organizations or individuals independently. As tensions rise, it is prudent to be aware of, and prepare for this type of illegal activity.” The clearest example of these kinds of politically motivated attacks is the brief increase in activity between Chinese and American hackers during the spy plane crisis in 2001. Security experts say there were numerous incidents in which U.S.-based hackers—or those sympathetic to the American stance on the issue—defaced Chinese-owned Web sites, and vice versa. Full Story