Deputy Defense Secretary Bill Lynn said Thursday a massive cyber attack by a “foreign intelligence service” could force redesign of a new, developmental weapon system.
Lynn said 24,000 data files were stolen from an undisclosed defense contractor during a March intrusion. He declined to identify the weapon system or the defense contractor. He also would not discuss the identity of the “foreign intelligence service,” although he said, “We have a pretty good idea who did it.”
The discussion came during a Pentagon press conference focused on the Defense Department’s new strategy for operating in cyberspace.
Lynn was vague on how the attack might impact development of the weapon system.
“It set us back in terms of the development of the system,” he confirmed. “It compromised information relative to the design.”
Asked if redesign of at least elements of the system would be necessary, the secretary said, “We’re looking at that right now.”
Saturday, July 16, 2011
24 000 Data Files Stolen from Defense Contractor in Massive Cyber Attack
