Chinese Military Threats: Cyberattack Risks to US Networks and Intel

U.S. officials warned yesterday that the Chinese military may be searching for ways to attack defense and civilian computer networks in the United States and Taiwan. But they said intelligence analysts have concluded that China so far lacks the ability to cause much disruption. . . . U.S. officials warned yesterday that the Chinese military may be searching for ways to attack defense and civilian computer networks in the United States and Taiwan. But they said intelligence analysts have concluded that China so far lacks the ability to cause much disruption.

The assessment was included in a classified report recently issued by the CIA that also warned of a more immediate cybersecurity concern involving Chinese students.

Although the Chinese military cannot yet disrupt key computer systems, "you have to be mindful of it and concerned they might have that goal," a U.S. government official said yesterday. "The Chinese themselves have acknowledged, in their own press, their interest."

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