Senate sergeant at arms: More concerned about cyberattack than Jan. 6 repeat

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

Source: Politico

Senate Sergeant at Arms Karen Gibson is more concerned about a cyberattack crippling the government than another Jan. 6-type assault on the Capitol, she said in an interview aired Saturday on CNN.

“Our networks ... have attempted intrusions every single day. And so, cybersecurity for me is a much greater concern than the prospect of thousands of people storming the West Terrace,” Gibson said.

Gibson’s comments come in wake of several significant cyberattacks on critical U.S. infrastructure, including a ransomware attack on the Colonial Pipeline that crippled East Coast fuel supply last month and another on a major U.S. meat producer this week. Security analysts warned the USDA last month that ransomware could have more impact on the U.S. food supply than Covid-19 had.

Gibson said she agreed with FBI Director Christopher Wray’s statement earlier this week that the threat posed by ransomware has "a lot of parallels" to 9/11.

Read more: https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/senate-sergeant-at-arms-more-concerned-about-cyberattack-than-jan-6-repeat/ar-AAKJIA4?li=BBnbfcQ&ocid=DELLDHP

[exboyfil]

1. And if they are Blackwater next time?

If Trump "wins" in 2024.

[Evolve Dammit]

9. That has crossed my mind more than once. And Jr. promoting mercenaries. They are seditionists. n/t

[Fiendish Thingy]

2. Well I'm more concerned about COVID than Ebola, but, you know, both can kill you. Nt

[Chainfire]

3. If Trump were to win in 2024, the country would not survive the retaliation for failure to elect him

in the previous election. It would be a scorched earth policy for all that haven't kneeled to him throughout his ouster. That Fascist bastard can't be allowed near the reigns of power again.

I don't worry so much about Trump as I do Trumpism. DeSantis is fully qualified to take Trump's place as the Fuhrer of The Ten Thousand Year Republican Reich. Either we hang on to power or perish.

[stillcool]

4. seems an odd statement considering her job

https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/briefing/sergeant_at_arms.htm#2

[bottomofthehill]

5. Not really, from that list

In Washington, D.C., senators rely on the sergeant at arms for software, computers, equipment, and repairs. The software, computers, and equipment are tailored to the Senate’s needs and include office automation systems, correspondence management systems, and telephone services and support.


The Senate Sergeant at arms is in charge of technology and it’s security.

On the House side. This responsibility falls under the CAO

There are only two Officers on the Senate side but Thee Officers on the House side.

[bottomofthehill]

6. Also, she looks pretty talented in that area from her bio

Ms. Gibson has performed in numerous intelligence and cyberspace operations roles, culminating her military service as Deputy Director of National Intelligence for National Security Partnerships. In previous assignments, she served as Director of Intelligence for United States Central Command; Director of Intelligence for Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve, the multinational coalition to defeat ISIS; and Deputy Commanding General for U.S. Army Cyber Command. A seasoned combat veteran, Ms. Gibson has led intelligence-operations fusion centers in Iraq, Afghanistan, Korea, East Africa, and in the United States.

[stillcool]

8. yeah, but that is a few sentences from

a very long list. As an issue facing the country, I could understand the statement, but as far as her job, just seems odd. But then, what a picayune thing for me to give a single thought to. News these days.

[bottomofthehill]

12. It is funny what the mind sees and picks up on.

But she is an authority on cyber threats and there are a lot of threats. The Senate Sergeant at Arms and Soorkeeper oversees a lot of different areas.

[oldsoftie]

7. She's right. This has been a major threat for years

And its only getting WORSE.
I'm not up to speed on computers at all, but SOMETHING needs to be done

[wnylib]

13. Agree with you completely.

A well planned and targeted cyber attack could shut down the government, communications grids, and the ability of the military to respond to an attack. Blackwater, or whatever they call themselves now, could simultaneously target key cities and regions for a physical attack to take control.

Add to that the possibility (likelihood) of getting foreign help in pulling off such a coup.

Not saying it wiil happen, but it certainly could happen and there are people who would love to plan it and carry it out.

[BigmanPigman]

10. Do we have the abilities to do the same to them for retaliation?

[oldsoftie]

14. thats the problem with being more advanced

Russia likely has much of its infrastructure still run by 80s technology, so disrupting things wont be as easy there.
IMO anyway, maybe thats wrong

[abqtommy]

11. There's no reason that we can't take care of the reTHUG Fascist Insurrectionist Cultists

AND The Hackers at the same time. After all, both groups are working for Pooty-Poot. Gibson needs
to expand their perception.

[lonely bird]

15. If their networks are linked to the internet

Then they are by definition unsafe.