The nature of computer-related attacks is escalating, from run-of-the-mill criminal activity to all-out war. As this article explains, the two primary weapons in a cyber warrior’s arsenal are botnets and exploits. What makes it especially scary is the ability of attackers to get in, do their damage, and get out without leaving a traceable digital trail. And it’s not just government systems that are targeted in cyberwarfare – private companies are popular targets, as well. This is a somewhat lengthy but very interesting discussion of cyber weapons as the new arms race that appeared in Bloomberg Businessweek last week. It’s an issue that potentially affects everyone who uses the Internet:
http://www.businessweek.com/printer/magazine/cyber-weapons-the-new-arms-race-07212011.html