ISIS attempting to hack the electric grid?

[Vodin]

ISIS is not an ignorant group of people. If they figured out how to organize 9/11 (may have been under a different name) the GRID shouldnt be an issue. I think they have things arranged and are waiting for a particular event.

[Alas Babylon]

Ted Koppel, formerly from ABC news and Nightline, just released a book called "Lights Out - A Cyber Attack, A Nation Unprepared, Surviving the Aftermath". Its basically an in depth investigative report on our grid, what can take it down, how, and then what would happen. I Just got a copy and I am about half way through. Honestly its a bit dry reading, very technical and in depth. I've been skimming most of the book.
What's frightening is its by a mainstream news guy, citing his sources, both government and private sector as to where he got his info, and it make me realize even more how possible this is. It is absolutely not a work of fiction.

From the Amazon book description:

In this New York Times bestselling investigation, Ted Koppel reveals that a major cyberattack on America’s power grid is not only possible but likely, that it would be devastating, and that the United States is shockingly unprepared.

Imagine a blackout lasting not days, but weeks or months. Tens of millions of people over several states are affected. For those without access to a generator, there is no running water, no sewage, no refrigeration or light. Food and medical supplies are dwindling. Devices we rely on have gone dark. Banks no longer function, looting is widespread, and law and order are being tested as never before.

It isn’t just a scenario. A well-designed attack on just one of the nation’s three electric power grids could cripple much of our infrastructure—and in the age of cyberwarfare, a laptop has become the only necessary weapon. Several nations hostile to the United States could launch such an assault at any time. In fact, as a former chief scientist of the NSA reveals, China and Russia have already penetrated the grid. And a cybersecurity advisor to President Obama believes that independent actors—from “hacktivists” to terrorists—have the capability as well. “It’s not a question of if,” says Centcom Commander General Lloyd Austin, “it’s a question of when.”


http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/055...ilpage_o00_s00

[Illini Warrior]

it's not only the electric grid - it's utilities in general .... they are attacking the various pipelines, water treatment, sewage treatment, transportation and even the municipal control centers for stuff like traffic control ....

if it was ONLY ISIS - less to worry about .... the Chinese supposedly have an entire computer complex for nothing else but cyber attacking .... training their computer nerds to hack across the world ....

there's been some mysterious explosions at Chinese factories? - supposedly answering from a western country that has been under Chinese cyber attack - "two can play at that game"

[Caveman Survival]

Alas Babylon - George Norrie had him on coast to coast the other night, and koppel was very passionate about it. Norrie in fact has been a huge pusher in terms of vying to .gov to protect the grid for years. Sure the costs would be astronomical, but if the U.S. could pass on a couple of invasions, occupations and wars, just a couple mind you, it could be paid for...in cash. With change back for a coffee

[Stormfeather]

I think that there are website out there that track the amount of attacks via the web that the USA has, and it updates in real time. I think many of you would be surprised (or maybe not surprised ) how many there actually are. Norse puts out an attack map that shows web based attacks as they are happening

http://map.norsecorp.com/

As for ISIS attempting to attack our power grid, Im pretty sure they are going to have to stand in line behind the Chinese, Russians, Nigerians, and a few others.

[realist]

I read the Koppel book. It is good for the information which most of us already know about. The thing I like most about it is the name recognition of Koppel. I have got copies for people who I want to wake up. He is not thought of as a prepper, me, or a kook, me..... Another point it is not in a novel but a book which documents what would happen. It is amazing how many people are aware but it just gets kicked down the road for the next administration.