Crossroads Blog | Institute National Security and Counterterrorism

critical infrastructure, cyber attack, international law

Cyber Round Up: Researchers Aimed at Plugging Cybersecurity Holes in UK’s Power Stations; France’s New Cybersecurity Law; China’s Cyberwar on Hong Kong Protestors; Rising Cyber Threats in Software Used in Nuclear Power Plants; Japan Launches Cybersecurity Talks

  • ZDNET reports that a team of experts will be looking at how to plug security holes in the vital systems that run the UK’s power stations, rail networks and manufacturing plants.  According to the report, the researchers aim to improve operational decision making and lay the groundwork for a new, cyber-threat-resilient control architecture for the grid.
  • Bloomberg reports on France’s new cybersecurity law, which will require that the 200 entities most vital to the country’s economy boost security using home-grown technology and experts, or risk being fined.  Read more about the new law and other initiatives by France to promote cybersecurity in the Bloomberg article here.
  • According to VoiceofAmerica News, China has turned to cyber attacks on Hong Kong protestors.  According to the report, days after demonstrators in Hong Kong began filling the streets, a Chinese-authored spyware bug specifically designed and targeted to infect protestor’s iPhones and iPads was discovered by a mobile digital security firm.  Read the full story here. Additionally, VoiceofAmerica News also reported China as the leader in cyber warfare against American industry, read the full report here.
  • Indicators depict that the use of Software Intensive Systems in nuclear power plants is rapidly increasing, and with that, potential threats to centrifuges, personal data and controls, according to a report by PowerEngineeringThe article discusses emerging issues with software growth and cyber attacks in the nuclear industry, and offers possible solutions.
  • GlobalPost reports that in preparation for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Japan plans to launch bilateral cybersecurity  talks with France, Australia, Israel and Estonia.  The article also notes that bolstering cooperation with the countries is also seen as a signal to China that Japan will expand cooperation with countries that “respect basic human rights and the rule of law in view of ensuring free distribution of information.”

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