http://www.smh.com.au/world/virtual-threat-on-the-internet-becomes-a-reality-as-superpowers-hold-talks-on-cyber-warfare-20091214-ksdu.html
Virtual threat on the internet becomes a reality as superpowers hold talks on cyber warfare DANIEL NASAW December 15, 2009 WASHINGTON: US officials have been holding secret talks with Russia and the United Nations in an attempt to strengthen internet security and rein in the growing threat of cyber warfare. While the two superpowers are holding nuclear arms talks in Geneva, these discussions are aimed at curbing the rising level of attacks taking place online. In light of an increase in strikes by hackers on institutions including banks, businesses, government agencies and the military, diplomats are attempting to forge an international consensus on how to deal with cyber-security problems. ''Both sides are making positive noises,'' said James Lewis, a senior fellow at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies in Washington and a cyber-security expert. ''We've never seen that before.'' Critics have said the scale and impact of such incidents may be overstated, but experts accept there are serious dangers from criminal gangs operating online - as well as the rapid growth of state-sponsored espionage conducted over the internet. Earlier this year, some of the plans for a new £2 billion ($3.57 billion) fighter aircraft being developed by the US, Britain, Netherlands and Israel were stolen when hackers broke into American computers. Mr Lewis confirmed that a Russian delegation met with officials from the US military, State Department and security agencies in Washington about five weeks ago. Two weeks later, the White House agreed to meet representatives from the UN committee on disarmament and international security, The New York Times reported. There are numerous sticking points, however, not least being that the US, Russia and most advanced military nations have sophisticated cyber warfare capabilities they want to hide. Although the dangers of virtual conflicts are recognised, neither country is keen to hinder any future deployment by revealing the technologies they have developed, Mr Lewis said. Despite that, the talks mark a distinct turnaround from the approach of the Bush administration, which had resisted engaging with Russia and the UN over the prospect of a treaty on cyber weapons. Instead, it focused on dealing with cyber threats by economic and commercial means, rather than through the military. Guardian News & Media
