14 DAY TRIAL // The US and other Western countries are trying to decide whether or not to launch a military strike against Syria in response to the recent alleged chemical weapons attack.
In the meantime, experts warn that hackers sponsored by the Syrian regime, or ones that support its interests, might retaliate with cyberattacks, The Washington Times reports.
Of course, the first group that comes to mind is the Syrian Electronic Army.
Michael Chertoff, a former secretary of Homeland Security, says that such hackers can help Syria deny involvement in cyberattacks.
While the Syrian Electronic Army doesn’t appear to possess sophisticated capabilities, experts say it would be dangerous to rely on the proposition that an attacker lacks a particular skill.
In addition to Syria, Iran is also believed to have developed impressive cyber capabilities. One example is the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Cyber Fighters collective, which the US says is sponsored by Iran.
The hackers have been launching attacks against US financial institutions allegedly in protest against a controversial film featuring the Prophet Mohamed.