Government

Nudge? Feds to Simulate Attack on NYC Power During a Heat Wave to Prove Need for New Legislation

White House to Simulate Cyber Attack on NYC to Show Need for More Infrastructure Security Regulation

(Image: Flickr/University of Maryland)

How bad would a cyber attack be for one of the largest, most connected cities in the United States? U.S. senators will soon find out, as the White House prepares to show them just what would happen in a simulated an attack on New York City’s power grid and other infrastructure on a hot summer day.

With two bills in the Senate — one pushing for companies managing critical infrastructure to meet new security rules, the other avoiding such regulation — the effect of this “classified scenario” is what supporters hope will show senators how vital it is to increase cyber-protection on infrastructure companies. Reuters explains further:

“The classified scenario is intended to provide all senators with an appreciation for new legislative authorities that would help the U.S. government prevent and more quickly respond to cyber attacks,” said White House spokeswoman Caitlin Hayden.

One bill under consideration — which is backed by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and has some Republican support — could require upgrades for critical infrastructure overseen by the Department of Homeland Security.

That bill is aimed at identifying security shortfalls for critical U.S. infrastructure.

Another — backed by Senator John McCain and largely supported by other Republicans — would require federal contractors to inform the government about cyber threats and make it easier for government regulators and corporations to communicate about threats. But it would not affect critical infrastructure.

(Related: NSA speculates Anonymous could cause power outages with cyber attacks)

Bloomberg reports that companies such as AT&T and Comcast prefer the latter bill:

“Such requirements could have an unintended stifling effect on making real cybersecurity improvements,” Edward Amoroso, chief security officer for Dallas-based AT&T, said in testimony at the hearing. “Cyber adversaries are dynamic and increasingly sophisticated, and do not operate under a laboriously defined set of rules or processes.”

FBI Director Robert Mueller acknowledged in a statement before the House Appropriations Committee, that cyberattacks are becoming more “commonplace” with an 84 percent increase in investigations of computer intrusions since 2002.

“Terrorists have not used the Internet to launch a full-scale cyber attack, but we cannot underestimate their intent,” Mueller said in his prepared testimony. He said terrorists have shown interest in developing hacking skills, and that the evolving nature of the problem makes the FBI’s counterterrorism mission more difficult.

This week, a group of expert hackers who attacked governments and corporations around the globe was busted after its ringleader became an informant for the FBI.

(Related: ‘Chopping off the head’: How LulzSec ringleader devastated the hacktivist group by working with the FBI)

Mueller said there are FBI cyber squads in each of the bureau’s 56 field offices. The FBI has more than 1,000 specially trained agents, analysts and digital forensic examiners who run complex undercover operations and examine digital evidence.

Although the attack will be a simulation and is based on a hypothetical threat to infrastructure, Gizmodo points out cheekily, for the virtual New Yorkers, “that’s just mean.” Infrastructure included in this simulated attack, Gizmodo reports, will include banks, power grids and telecommunications.

The Associated Press contributed to this report. 

Comments (66)

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  • lisa2994
    Posted on March 8, 2012 at 2:52pm

    I love seeing more and more people wake up in this country! But hate to see things going this way! I love my country so much!!!!! But I do not like the way it is being ran into the ground!!!!!

    Report Post » lisa2994  
  • babylonvi
    Posted on March 8, 2012 at 1:46pm

    Giving DHS any more power to do ANYTHING is the sane thing as treason. Vote out ANY legislator who votes for this type of DHS. EPA, DOE, etc. They should be removing powers and regulations not increasing them, especially when they tell us they answer to the UN and NATO, not the congress.

    Report Post » babylonvi  
    • Bikkiboo
      Posted on March 8, 2012 at 9:36pm

      Let’s see: this cyber attack will surely leak to terrorists to show them how to do it for real; the movie ACT OF VALOR used real Seals, real training and training facilities so terrorists can see how we do it; someone just revealed how to hide things from airport body scanners… Why don’t we just give up now – we’re already telling them how to take us over????
      Be SURE to vote against Obama in November – if we still have the chance!!

      Report Post » Bikkiboo  
  • MonkeyBeagle
    Posted on March 8, 2012 at 12:09pm

    This video talks about the exact same thing, came out about a week ago http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wBqmXF0qaVI

    Report Post »  
  • Arc
    Posted on March 8, 2012 at 11:50am

    Remember Rahm’s casual comment…….“ Never let a good crisis go to waste”

    Lull us to sleep with numerous SIMULATIONS then release the beast of government control.

    POWDER DRY?????

    Report Post » Arc  
    • oldguy49
      Posted on March 8, 2012 at 12:27pm

      this is like the global warming hearings they had a few years back…….picked a very hot day to have them and then turned of the ac so everyone would sweat……………….nudge

      Report Post »  
  • Beckofile
    Posted on March 8, 2012 at 10:21am

    McCain is right there pushing for more government. I don’t like Obama but I also despise mclame.

    Report Post » Beckofile  
    • oldguy49
      Posted on March 8, 2012 at 12:24pm

      yep, and he also wants us to fight in syria so the muslim brotherhood can take it over lik it did in egypt and libia………………mcCain is a progressive which is code word for socialist……check the dictionary

      Report Post »  
  • SpankDaMonkey
    Posted on March 8, 2012 at 10:02am

    .
    Instead of turning off the lights first, Flush, put the lid down and then turn off the lights……

    Ya‘ll won’t be missed……

    Report Post » SpankDaMonkey  
    • Beckofile
      Posted on March 8, 2012 at 10:19am

      What the hell is McCain doing? Republicans are scaring me with all the new talk of going into seria and Iran. Then this talk of more government control.

      Report Post » Beckofile  
  • Razorhunters
    Posted on March 8, 2012 at 9:58am

    ny citizens would be eating each other in 3 days if the grid went down for an extended period.

    no, food, water,electricity,services…etc.
    would see a zombie apocalypse.

    Report Post » Razorhunters  
  • Razorhunters
    Posted on March 8, 2012 at 9:53am

    england was running a subway explosion sim, when the subway exploded.

    Report Post » Razorhunters  
    • KathleenElsie
      Posted on March 8, 2012 at 11:40am

      And don’t forget all those flights of stairs they would have to go up or down. After all those buildings are like vertical jails when there is no power.

      Report Post »  
    • Razorhunters
      Posted on March 8, 2012 at 1:36pm

      you are correct.

      Report Post » Razorhunters  
  • momprayn
    Posted on March 8, 2012 at 9:53am

    Think those of us who haven’t been fooled (which I hope grows greatly very quickly) — know that ANYTHING that comes from Reid or McCain is not good — Reid we know is part of the treasonous Obama regime, McCain has no wisdom and has shown bad judgement in many important areas – he’s clueless. And….this includes the Repubs. – either they are naive, ignorant or RINO’s.
    Nope – don’t trust any of them – including the FBI. My guess is there are traitors there as well. They are in EVERYTHING. Pray on !!!!!

    Report Post »  
  • oldchevyguy
    Posted on March 8, 2012 at 9:50am

    Turn the lights off in DC and find out nobody realizes right away!

    Report Post »  
  • thekuligs
    Posted on March 8, 2012 at 9:43am

    OK… are they REALLY going to knock out the power in NYC? Because how many people DIE during a normal heatwave WITH OUT that happening. Sounds to me like they are setting themselves up for some massive lawsuits.

    Report Post » thekuligs  
  • LaBelle
    Posted on March 8, 2012 at 9:34am

    Oh come on, like new laws will make the bad guy say “oh ok, sorry I wont do that than” IF someone has the capability to take out the power grid than no amount of laws/security will be able to stop them.

    Report Post » LaBelle  
    • sawbuck
      Posted on March 8, 2012 at 9:54am

      Brought to you by …The “Foot in the door” Administration..!

      We are here to help ..Never gets old.

      Report Post » sawbuck  
  • Itsjusttim
    Posted on March 8, 2012 at 9:34am

    That kind of reminds me of the way a few years ago they flew Air Force One on the same flight path as the attackers, and it put many into a frenzy in NY.

    Report Post » Itsjusttim  
    • Itsjusttim
      Posted on March 8, 2012 at 9:37am

      I wonder if communications will eventually go down, just to come back to catch the tail-end of “And congratulations to President Obama for his reelection to the Presidency of the United States?”

      Report Post » Itsjusttim  
  • Razorhunters
    Posted on March 8, 2012 at 9:33am

    the govt was running an exact 9/11 simulation, when 9/11 happened.
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=M-B6c6xxXug#t=1275s

    Report Post » Razorhunters  
  • pwatkins
    Posted on March 8, 2012 at 9:26am

    When are we going to have this simulation, just in time for elections in November? We might get by with the {lights going out in Georgia}, but NY….hmmmm.that could be interesting with all these occupy crazies running around.

    Report Post »  
  • Mark0331
    Posted on March 8, 2012 at 9:24am

    Lets simulate an assasination, while we are at it…just kidding folks, seriously just kidding……good training excercise though, gauge the publics response, or lack thereof….Freedom of speech is a good thing.

    Report Post » Mark0331  
    • Razorhunters
      Posted on March 8, 2012 at 10:11am

      would rather have real hanging‘s of traitors and seditionist’s.

      Report Post » Razorhunters  
    • libtardian-refugee
      Posted on March 8, 2012 at 12:30pm

      Razorhunter, It’s gonna take a lot of rope for all those criminals, And let’s not forget their children who are all wealthy due to the crimes of their parents. I want to see them in absolute poverty with zero skills to pull themselves out on their own

      Report Post »  
  • ColoradoMaverick
    Posted on March 8, 2012 at 9:24am

    It looks to me like the White House is demonstrating that it has the power to control us. It has the power to shut us down. I don’t believe anything they do is for the reasons they say they are doing it. It’s very sad that the Obama administration has managed to govern this country in such a manner that they have lost the trust of most Americans.
    It shouldn’t be this way. We should be able to trust our government but we simply can’t. That goes for both parties by the way.

    Report Post » ColoradoMaverick  
  • hauschild
    Posted on March 8, 2012 at 9:23am

    Yeah, right. The federal government can pull off cash-4-clunkers without complete chaos, yet it thinks it can thwart a cyber war?

    Are these dopes for real???

    More evidence this nation is in its last throes.

    Report Post »  
  • MCDAVE
    Posted on March 8, 2012 at 9:15am

    NO matter how reasonable this sounds,I now suspect anything Harry Reid And OBAMA are involved in Have a hidden underlying agenda that will advance communist control over us,waste our tax dollars,and destroy our country..

    Report Post »  
    • smithclar3nc3
      Posted on March 8, 2012 at 9:20am

      McDave you are Mcright….
      These ******* are playing chess not checkers and every move they make is just positioning for the next one. Washington is broke,the electorial system is broke,and the regulatory systems are broke. .
      ALL ARE BEYOND REPAIR…….
      Nothing short of a complete breakdown and rebuild using the Constitution as our guide will save this country from CIVIL WAR

      Report Post »  
    • smithclar3nc3
      Posted on March 8, 2012 at 9:29am

      I think Fast and Furious was designed to be a nudge as well UNTIL it facts got out that the government forced gun shop owners to allow the weapons being used to be sold. And it only took one Patriot to blow the whistle to stop it in it’s tracks. It is burning at my soul that Holder and others involved are still in office and not prison. 100 years ago people would have drug him out off office by his heals and beat him the streets before he stood trial.

      Report Post »  
    • MCDAVE
      Posted on March 8, 2012 at 9:44am

      @SmithCLAR3NC3 >>>I Hate Holder…I Think after this election he should be turned over to Mexico to face justice..Mexico has lost 60000 innocent people in these drug wars, wonder how many killed by Holder’s guns

      Report Post »  
    • 100 Million Patriots Standing
      Posted on March 8, 2012 at 9:45am

      Excellent point McDave.

      ALL bills supported by the current congress players need to be evaluated very deeply. We do not know for certain that our own government is behind the cyber-attacks for the sole reason to advance their cause (but we can suspect highly).

      No bills should advance until after the election.

      Report Post » 100 Million Patriots Standing  
    • libtardian-refugee
      Posted on March 8, 2012 at 12:33pm

      Mc Dave, I agree 100%, unfortunately nothing will change with this election

      Report Post »  
  • goahead.makemyday
    Posted on March 8, 2012 at 9:15am

    We already know what will happen. People will freak out, people will riot, and police will step up the security measures. We know that this could happen so we prepare, at least in FL we have hurricanes so we have to be reasonably prepared.

    Report Post » goahead.makemyday  
    • MCDAVE
      Posted on March 8, 2012 at 9:28am

      In North Carolina after Hurricanes we get out our tools and chain saws and make repairs..The liberals in NYC Riot and Tear their city down during a power outage..I hate liberals

      Report Post »  
  • lukerw
    Posted on March 8, 2012 at 9:13am

    To make the EnergyGrid… more Secure & Efficient… Government must Protect the System and Computerize Control — just when the Government & Hackers are most FEARED!

    Report Post » lukerw  
    • smithclar3nc3
      Posted on March 8, 2012 at 3:28pm

      You don’t infringe on individual rights to protect an energy grid you use close circuit computers that are internet accessable. HACKERS CAN’T GET WHATS NOT TO THEIR REACH.
      Anyone willing to trade personal liberty for security deserve neither and will mostly die with neither liberty or security.

      Report Post »  
  • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
    Posted on March 8, 2012 at 9:10am

    Under the guise of an ‘alleged, simulated scenario’ the feds and Obama are pushing for a massive grab of critical infrastructure directly under their control via the DHS. This is just one more means to concern, panic, intimidate and dominate across the board…the fed has way too much authority as it is at this moment, they do not need more by making threats at the people of America.

    Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • MCDAVE
      Posted on March 8, 2012 at 9:18am

      I posted the same thought..we just don’t trust the government.

      Report Post »  
    • CatB
      Posted on March 8, 2012 at 9:30am

      Yes .. “to prove need for new legislation” … WE SHALL CONTROL YOUR POWER (food, healthcare, LIFE!)

      Report Post »  
    • lukerw
      Posted on March 8, 2012 at 9:33am

      Czar of Czars… Obama (Ivan) THE TERRIBLE… uses Division & Fear… to Govern!

      Report Post » lukerw  
    • kaydeebeau
      Posted on March 8, 2012 at 9:54am

      Find out just what any people will quietly submit to and you have the exact measure of the injustice and wrong which will be imposed on them.
      Frederick Douglass

      Report Post » kaydeebeau  
    • Razorhunters
      Posted on March 8, 2012 at 9:55am

      am with ya…

      Report Post » Razorhunters  
  • I_Occupy_A_Job
    Posted on March 8, 2012 at 9:05am

    The part of this article that really scares me is “require upgrades for critical infrastructure overseen by the Department of Homeland Security”. Has the DHS gotten anything right yet? And we’re supposed to trust them with cyber security?

    Report Post »  
    • Ruler4You
      Posted on March 8, 2012 at 9:18am

      I wish I occupied a job. Lucky stiff.

      This, IMHBLO, “IS” nothing more than one more attempt to beat down the existing infrastructure and reconstruct it in the communist image.

      It’s unnecessary to even have this “drill.” First, why would a ‘terrorist’ even want to expose themselves to being caught by going to a local “substation?”

      3 people can shut down the entire electrical grid in the U.S. and they would be hundreds of miles from any city and each other. The lead time on replacement parts for these parts (I’m talking about) “IS” more than 18 months.

      This “IS” only a way to influence BIG money and BIG influence people by inconveniencing them for a few measly moments. This should also inform you (us) as to how little we matter in “their” world.

      Report Post » Ruler4You  
  • yanki161
    Posted on March 8, 2012 at 8:57am

    What’s NYP?

    Report Post » yanki161  
    • CatB
      Posted on March 8, 2012 at 9:05am

      I’m guessing New York Power .. (I thought it was Con Ed in New York.)

      Report Post »  
    • CatB
      Posted on March 8, 2012 at 9:28am

      Oops . they have corrected it …..

      Report Post »  
  • IndyGuy
    Posted on March 8, 2012 at 8:54am

    Sure….while yer at it let’s show the folks what it would be like to sit in the electric chair…Sheeeeeesh…

    Report Post » IndyGuy  
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