Washington, July 15 (ANI): A top US official has admitted that over 24,000 Pentagon files were hacked by a foreign intelligence service in March this year.
The disclosure came as the Pentagon released a new strategy for military operations in cyberspace.
According to The New York Times, in one of the worst digital attacks in history, a foreign intelligence service hacked into the computer system of a corporate contractor and obtained 24,000 Pentagon files during a single intrusion.
US officials have refused to disclose the identity contractor and the foreign intelligence agency.
William J. Lynn III, the Deputy Defense Secretary, disclosed that over the years crucial files stolen from defense and industry data networks have included plans for missile tracking systems, satellite navigation devices, surveillance drones and top-of-the-line jet fighters.
"A great deal of it concerns our most sensitive systems, including aircraft avionics, surveillance technologies, satellite communications systems and network security protocols," Lynn was quoted as saying by the paper.
There have been several other hacking incidents in the US, including the much-hyped attempt at Lockheed Martin, the largest military contractor, and at RSA Security, which produces electronic identification for computer users.
"Current countermeasures have not stopped this outflow of sensitive information. We need to do more to guard our digital storehouses of design innovation," Lynn said.
"If a terrorist group obtains disruptive or destructive cyber tools, we have to assume they will strike with little hesitation," he added.
The new strategy describes how the military's capabilities would support the Department of Homeland Security and federal law enforcement agencies. And it acknowledges how much the military relies on private sector computer networks for such vital supplies as electricity. (ANI)
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