The FBI’s National Infrastructure Protection Center (NIPC)warned Wednesday that growing tensions between the United States and Iraq could lead to an increase in global computer hacking activities on both sides.
“Regardless of the motivation, theNIPC reiterates such activity is illegal and punishable as a felony,” the agency warns on its Web site. “The U.S. government does not condone so-called ‘patriot hacking’ on its behalf.”
The agency specifically cited patriot hackers who target Iraq or its sympathizers, hackers opposed to war who target U.S. systems, and those who would use the crisis as a guise to further personal goals.
“As tensions arise, it is prudent to be aware of and prepare for this type of activity,” the agency said.
NIPC said computer network administrators and computer users should take precautions to guard against cyber attacks and provided links for additional security checklists in their warning message@
http://www.nipc.gov/warnings/advisories/2003/03-002.htm
