A Brief Weekly Review of Top Stories that Dominated the Cyberworld

Cyberattacks perpetrated will no longer be taken lying down, as was clearly visible by the tone and tenor of a U.S. general. Gen. Paul Nakasone resolved that he would fight incursions that had weakened major government agencies and companies. In another striking development of the outgoing week, experts also saw cybersecurity as a major risk for airlines in the wake of 9/11 attacks. So, calling the past week as being replete with some unprecedented developments won’t be off the mark.  

Here’s a brief review of the major developments of the past week.

Cybersecurity Viewed as Grave Risk in Wake of 9/11

After improving their security protocols in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks to end plane hijackings, airlines are now confronted with growing threats aimed at computers and electronic equipment crucial for their operations and safety.

Since the calamity two decades ago, carriers and airports have strengthened cockpits, prohibited sharp objects in carry-on luggage and upgraded technology to detect explosives.

Willie Walsh, director general of the International Air Transport Association, said: “We are more secure.”

US General Promised ‘Surge’ against Foreign-based Cyberattacks

The U.S. general who leads the country’s efforts to frustrate foreign-based cyberattacks, and punish the culprits, reveals he’s executing a “surge” to fight invasions that have incapacitated government agencies and companies responsible for vital infrastructure.

In an interview, Gen. Paul Nakasone said the government experts were more focused on better finding and sharing information about cyberattacks by divulging the means by which those attacks were conducted.

Nakasone said: “Even six months ago, we probably would have said, ‘Ransomware, that’s criminal activity. But if it has an impact on a nation, like we’ve seen, then it becomes a national security issue. If it’s a national security issue, then certainly we’re going to surge toward it.”