We have seen the threat, and the threat is China:
U.S. National Security Adviser Tom Donilon stopped speaking in vagaries on Monday and called China out by name for the high number of cyber attacks coming from China that target U.S. businesses and federal agencies.
In the past, White House and government officials avoided specifically calling out China for the cyber attacks. However, the administration has since stepped up the rhetoric on getting serious about combating cyber threats. Government officials, to include former Defense Secretary Leon Panetta, has addressed U.S. concerns with China in the past, but they have not laid out their concerns publicly.
http://www.dodbuzz.com/2013/03/12/donilon-issues-stern-cyber-warning-to-china/
They’ve penetrated our nuclear command and control infrastructure:
“From the President on down, this has become a key point of concern and discussion with China at all levels of our governments. And it will continue to be,” Donilon said. “The United States will do all it must to protect our national networks, critical infrastructure, and our valuable public and private sector property.”
China has long been established as the worst offender for hosting attacks. Analysts have said thousands of cyber attacks target the White House every day. Many are assumed to emanate from China.
In September, a Chinese group of hackers reportedly broke into a White House network in what was called one of “Beijing’s most brazen cyberattacks.” The hackers broke into a “system used by the White House Military Office for nuclear commands,” according to a USA Today report.
http://defensetech.org/2013/03/12/u-s-national-security-adviser-warns-china-of-further-cyber-crimes/
Finally, from the Wall Street Journal, Pentagon confirmation that this sabotage can constitute an act of war:
The Pentagon has concluded that computer sabotage coming from another country can constitute an act of war, a finding that for the first time opens the door for the U.S. to respond using traditional military force. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702304563104576355623135782718.html
Repeat: Cyber crime, conducted by a sovereign nation, is an act of war.
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