DoD computer systems have been apparently taking ‘fire’ from Russian hackers.
From the LA Times:
Reporting from Washington — Senior military leaders took the exceptional step of briefing President Bush this week on a severe and widespread electronic attack on Defense Department computers that may have originated in Russia — an incursion that posed unusual concern among commanders and raised potential implications for national security.
Defense officials would not describe the extent of damage inflicted on military networks. But they said that the attack struck hard at networks within U.S. Central Command, the headquarters that oversees U.S. involvement in Iraq and Afghanistan, and affected computers in combat zones. The attack also penetrated at least one highly protected classified network.
This comes at a time of increasing tension between the two countries. The true nature of the attack remains a bit of a mystery for the time being. Well, at least for those of us who are members of the public. I have little doubt that the folks in know have a clear idea of the target of the attacks.