Former FBI director Louis Freeh has warned the US intelligence and security officials about the growing cyber terrorism and the necessity of doing a 'better job' at analyzing and thwarting cyber-related crimes.
Freeh said that hackers could go beyond stealing someone's credit card number or hacking the ATM machines and gain access to computer systems controlling power plants, the navigation of aircraft and ships even switching of street lights which could possibly used to gridlock societies and kill large number of people, the Politico reports.
He said that the potential for mass destruction in terms of life and property is only limited by the attackers' access and success in penetrating and hijacking the networks.
On NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden, Freeh said that Snowden should not have disclosed information publicly and rather used the internal reporting processes for alleging wrongdoing.
He further said that NSA gave Snowden system-wide access with 'the ability to extract and copy top-secret documents detailing secured and elaborate programs.
According to the report, Freeh said that the challenge before the intelligence agencies is to effectively sort the vast amount of data before any attack takes place, adding that it is not about the data but about how the agencies protect it, manage it and what and what people expect from its utilization.
You’ve hit your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Access to Exclusive Premium Stories Online
Over 30 behind the paywall stories daily, handpicked by our editors for subscribers


Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share


Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor


Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements


Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app