
Cyber security is Pentagon’s main discussion topic due to increased cyber criminality.
STATES CHRONICLE – Starting with the following period, Pentagon will fight cyber threats with ‘Scorecard’ database. The new system will prioritize weapon platforms based on their vulnerability to cyber-attacks, US Military has stated.
Cyber security is the main subject of discussion at present since all military operations are carried out with the help of computer programs. This is the conclusion that the Pentagon reached on Friday during the annual Billington Cybersecurity Summit after carefully considering all possible options.
According to officials’ declaration, a new ‘scorecard’ database will be created to keep track of all weapon platforms and their vulnerabilities. The first programs to be addressed are those that were created 30 years ago. The latter have outdated systems that most certainly offer hackers many breaches and loopholes; therefore they need to be addresses as soon as possible.
The second category of weapon platforms consists of newer systems that the Pentagon has created, but which are too weak to resist cyber-attacks. These, like the older systems, will be scanned by computer programs and all loopholes will be immediately addressed, Air Force Lieutenant General Kevin McLaughlin has explained.
He further stated that the scorecard database will be first sketched by hand. Special computer programs will be used afterwards to scan the structure of the weapon platforms and solve security issues.
Pentagon estimates that 133 groups of 6,200 military officials will have to work together for the fulfillment of the new project. All these groups will start cyber securing activities by the end of 2016. Military officials will be trained to immediately respond to cyber-attacks on Pentagon’s system, McLaughlin added.
The information that is withdrawn during the development of the new scorecard database will be used in the creation of new military programs. The Pentagon hopes they will, thus, develop military platforms that can resist even the most powerful cyber-attacks.
The need to secure the US military programs has become all the more important since China and Russia are said to secretly operate cyber-attacks on the Pentagon. Russian hackers even sell information on loopholes on the black market with prices starting at $50,000.
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