Cyber-espionage, cyber-sabotage and potentially even cyber-warfare are genuine threats facing our world – and the discoveries of the first state-sponsored malware programs demonstrates the new capabilities that can be applied by these Internet threats
Cyber-espionage, cyber-sabotage and potentially even cyber-warfare are genuine threats facing our world – and the discoveries of the first state-sponsored malware programs demonstrates the new capabilities that can be applied by these Internet threats. The cases of Stuxnet (2010) and Duqu (2011) highlight the technical sophistication of military-grade software able to damage large industrial installations and more. It also provides a jolt to any complacency over Internet security: both Stuxnet and Duqu were only found by accident, after they had already been operating for some time.
The discovery of the Stuxnet worm in 2010 prompted a degree of panic around the world, with several nations equating the use of cyber-weapons with more conventional acts of warfare involving bullets and bombs. In 2011, almost all the world’s major nations showed that they were increasingly prepared to develop and use their own cyber-arsenals. All this testifies that we are at the dawn of a new era of cyber-warfare.
Speaking at CeBIT 2012 in Hannover, Germany, on 6 March Eugene Kaspersky, Chairman and CEO of Kaspersky Lab, addressed the systemic threats which the world faces today in the light of IT developments. He gave examples of the most serious recent malware incidents and shared his vision of how to protect the Internet and its users from cyber-weapons.
He believes that the best solution would be to create an International Cyber-Security Organization (ICSO) which would act as an independent global platform for international cooperation and treaties on non-usage of cyber-weapons, and cyber-security regulations for critical infrastructures. The ICSO would also be responsible for investigating incidents and combating cyber-terrorism.
“An International Cyber-Security Organization will not eliminate cyber-weapons completely, but it will greatly improve the current situation. The most vulnerable parties (i.e. developed countries with high Internet usage) will benefit from the existence of the organization most, and should be the first to support it,” said Eugene Kaspersky.
To get more information about Kaspersky Lab’s activities during CeBIT 2012, please follow the link to the newsroom.
