Thwarting Cyber Attack on the US Infrastructure
Booz Allen Hamilton Executive Vice President Mike McConnell appeared on “60 Minutes” to discuss whether nation states or others with ill intent could get into the computer systems that run crucial elements of the US infrastructure, such as the power grids, water works, or the nation’s banking system. The interview aired on November 8, 2009.
When asked if potential adversaries have the capability to bring down a power grid, McConnell said that he believed they do. The former U.S. Director of National Intelligence added that the United States is not prepared for such an attack.
McConnell also spoke to CBS News reporter Steve Kroft about the vulnerability of the U.S. banking systems and the integrity of America’s money supply. “The more insidious issue is what happens when the attacker is not attempting to steal money, but to destroy the process that accounts for money? That's the real issue we have to worry about," said McConnell, noting that unreliability of monetary information could cause significant disruptions to both the US and world economies.
Finally, McConnell closed the interview noting that he feared a catastrophic event was possible. "And what I'm worried about is, because of so many competing priorities, and so many issues that we have to deal with, we…will not get focused on this problem until we have some catastrophic event," McConnell said. " I hope we don't get there. But it's possible that we will."
Meet Booz Allen’s Cyber Experts
- Pat Peck said that a secure business computing environment requires a broad approach that encompasses not just traditional cybersecurity solutions, but all aspects of a cyber-enabled architecture.
- Scott Kaine urges members of the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association to take a holistic approach to addresses cyber security threats both from within corporate boundaries and beyond traditional firewalls.
- In an interview with journalist Nathan Gardels, Mike McConnell talks about cyber threats.
Booz Allen’s Cyber Capabilities
- Learn more about Booz Allen’s cyber capabilities.
Cyber Career Opportunities
- Learn more about cyber career opportunities at Booz Allen.
