Will hackers cripple America with a cyberattack? Expert says it might happen in 2024
The United States faces the looming threat of a devastating cyberattack that could plunge the nation into chaos, according to cybersecurity expert Megan Wright. In a recent article, Wright sounded the alarm, warning that the film Leave the World Behind may not be as far-fetched as it seems. The movie portrays a cyberattack that cripples everything from phone lines to the power grid, leaving the country in a state of collapse.
Wright, a former senior advisor at the U.S. State Department Antiterrorism Assistance Program and senior law enforcement advisor for the 2012 Republican National Convention, emphasized the importance of these interconnected systems in today’s globalized world. Without them, our society would be thrown into disarray.
As the Chief Security Advisor for cybersecurity company SentinelOne, Wright is well-versed in the dangers posed by cyber threats. She believes that China and Russia are the primary adversaries with the capability to carry out a total cyberwar. These nation-state actors could wreak havoc without resorting to conventional methods like attacking planes or ships.
While Wright acknowledges that her views on China and Russia are speculative, she also highlights the potential for false flag attacks orchestrated by the United States itself. In such a scenario, the U.S. could blame a cyberattack on an enemy like China or Russia, concealing its own involvement.
Recent events have demonstrated the growing vulnerability of critical infrastructure. Hackers have already launched smaller-scale cyberattacks, including targeting a water facility in Hawaii, a West Coast port, and an oil and gas pipeline. Notably, the Colonial Pipeline attack in May 2021, allegedly carried out by the Russian-linked ransomware group DarkSide, caused widespread gasoline shortages and panic-buying along the East Coast.
Wright pointed out that even though the attack only lasted a few days and the oil supply remained intact, the fear it generated was enough to disrupt daily life and drive people into a state of panic. She warns that this could be a precursor to a larger-scale attack capable of bringing the entire nation to its knees.
Against the backdrop of these mounting cyber threats, there is also the ongoing concern of China’s potential invasion of Taiwan. Chinese President Xi Jinping has expressed his desire to reunify Taiwan with the Chinese mainland, a move that could lead to a full-scale invasion. Wright suggests that China may respond to U.S. opposition by launching a cyberattack on major population centers such as Los Angeles, New York City, Chicago, Phoenix, Houston, or Philadelphia.
Wright stressed that the goal of an attack on the power grid would be to cause widespread disruption and overwhelm public safety and emergency response systems. Additionally, she points out that China might adopt tactics previously used by Russia, mirroring their playbook for cyber warfare.
While it remains to be seen if these grim predictions will come to pass, Wright’s expertise and experience underscore the urgent need for robust cybersecurity measures. As technology continues to advance, the risks posed by cyber threats only grow more significant. The United States must be prepared to defend against potential cyberattacks that could destabilize the nation and compromise the well-being of its citizens.
In today’s interconnected world, cybersecurity is not just a luxury; it is a necessity. The potential consequences of a successful cyberattack are far-reaching, impacting not only essential services but also the fabric of society. As the threat landscape evolves, maintaining vigilance and investing in robust cybersecurity measures are critical to safeguarding our nation’s security and stability.
