The FBI National Infrastructure Protection Center (NIPC) has issued an advisory warning of a possible increase of illegal hacking activities due to the tensions with Iraq, and urges owners and operators of computers and network systems to review their defensive strategies.
The advisory also warns against self-termed "patriotic hackers" who conduct illegal activity in the erroneous belief they are helping their country. "Regardless of the motivation, the NIPC reiterates such activity is illegal and punishable as a felony. The US Government does not condone so-called "patriotic hacking" on its behalf," read the advisory, adding any attacks could damage the US as much as anyone else.
However, a spokesperson for the Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts, Senator Richard Alston, said the Australian government has no plans to release a similar warning.
"The question of a war against Iraq remains highly theoretical," said the spokesperson, claiming the Australian government was still awaiting United Nations resolutions. "As to a similar warning, that's not something we've got on the cards". He added that he was unaware of any pattern of similar attacks involving Australian hackers in the past.
Reports have put the number of Iraqis online at only 12,000 out of the 23.5 million population, and it is believed most computers with sensitive information are stand-alone and not connected to the Internet. By contrast, the US has far more critical infrastructure connected to the Internet, and is therefore more vulnerable to any cyber-attack.
