On Tuesday, July 21, 2009, a subcommittee of the U.S. House of Representatives’ Committee on Homeland Security heard testimony about the nation’s vulnerability to an EMP (electromagnetic pulse) attack or a cyber attack on power grids. The Subcommittee on Emerging Threats, Cybersecurity, and Science and Technology heard from witnesses drawn from both industry and government about precautions, or lack thereof, for protecting the U.S. infrastructure from the massive interference and disruption that would result from detonating an atomic device causing a burst of radiation (EMP) or from an attack launched by “hackers” to paralyze modern life and commerce by compromising the computer-based controls of electric power suppliers—events that could disrupt commerce, communications, and all the conveniences that are the underpinnings of modern life. Both subcommittee chair Yvette Clarke (D, NY) and Homeland Security chair Benny G. Thompson (D, MS) gave sobering reports on the current state of preparedness. Rep. Clarke indicated that after a three-year study, the members had reached one conclusion. “The electric industry has failed to appropriately protect against the threats we face in the 21st Century.” Rep. Thompson noted, “There is a massive computer espionage campaign being launched against the United States by our adversaries. Intelligence suggests that countries seek or have developed weapons capable of destroying our grid.”Find the complete list of witnesses and a video transcript of the hearing on the Committee website.
House Subcommittee Cautions on EMP and Cyber Attacks
