14 DAY TRIAL // A recent Washington Post story, citing a report from the US Defense Science Board, has revealed that Chinese hackers have gained access to the designs of several major weapon systems. However, officials are still confident in their weapons.
“We maintain full confidence in our weapons platforms,” said Pentagon Press Secretary George Little.
“The Department of Defense takes the threat of cyber espionage and cybersecurity very seriously, which is why we have taken a number of steps to increase funding to strengthen our capabilities, harden our networks, and work with the defense industrial base to achieve greater visibility into the threats our industrial partners are facing,” Little added, according to Defense News.
“Suggestions that cyber intrusions have somehow led to the erosion of our capabilities or technological edge are incorrect.”
In addition, Department of Defense representatives cited by Reuters said the Defense Science Board was founded two years ago, so much of the information was outdated. The issues that require attention are being addressed.
Two US officials who did not want to be named have told Bloomberg that intelligence agencies have several methods of ensuring that classified information doesn’t end up in the wrong hands.
Besides pressuring contractors to enhance their security along the supply chain, they also occasionally plant false or misleading information.
Adversaries spend large amounts of resources on building outdated or deficient weapons that either don’t work or can be easily countered.
US President Barack Obama will discuss cybersecurity issues with Chinese President Xi Jinping in a meeting that’s scheduled to take place in California next week.
China has often denied having any implication in cyber espionage campaigns. The country argues that the US should work with it on establishing cyber regulations, instead of making groundless accusations.