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Staged cyber attack aids US defence
February 17, 2010
A simulated cyber attack on the US which rehearsed the cutting of power to tens of millions of homes was run in a mock-up of the White House Situation Room at a Washington hotel.
The event, called Cyber ShockWave, simulated the disabling of cell phone networks, the slowing of internet traffic to a crawl and the crippling of America's power grid, in the interest of improving US security.
Calling out the National Guard, nationalising power companies and retaliation were among response suggestions made by ex-top officials. They were debating response to the virtual shut-down of power in the eastern United States by a stealth cyber attack and two bombings.
The "cabinet members'" simulation was drawn up by ex-CIA director Michael Hayden, and members of the BPC's National Security Preparedness Group.
The president and advisers typically meet to address national emergencies at the situation room in the White House.
"The president, as commander-in-chief, has the authority to use the full powers at his disposal," said former deputy attorney general Jamie Gorelick.
Copyright © Press Association 2010
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