According to an investigative report by American officials, the blackout in Ukraine (which left almost a quarter of a million people without power) that occurred on December 23, 2015, may well have been the result of cyber-terrorism. This kind of highly complex attack could, theoretically, occur in the US. As a result, the Obama Administration was swift in warning American utility companies about their findings. According to an article in the New York Times, Ukrainian officials quickly blamed Russia for the attack. Regardless of who ultimately perpetrated the blackout, the incident should nonetheless compel and American companies to seriously evaluate and ramp up its their security resources.
A cyber attack induced blackout in the United States would send shockwaves through Americans’ sense of security. Whether by ISIS, Russia, China, or any other entity seeking to do harm to the nation, this kind of invasion of US autonomy would drastically alter our perception of cyber terrorism’s potential. That’s why US utility companies should be subject to continual security tests, and the Obama Administration should push for further regulations as the danger of this form of warfare expands.
