Cyber ​​Storm

Cyber ​​Storm is the name of a fake attack practice conducted by Department of Homeland Security (DHS) of America between 6-10 February, 2006 to evaluate the performance of various public and private organizations. Simulation was conducted in computer in the Secret Service basement in Washington DC.

The scenario targeted specific public and private organizations and included both physical and internet-based components. As part of the plan, bloggers spread the information related to the misleading information along with the scenario. Organizations being tested have tried to know which information was relevant and that information determines the nature of the attack.

The purpose of Cyber ​​Storm was for the computer systems involved in the operation of key infrastructure of the United States, particularly Information Technology (IT), Energy, Communication, Emergency Management, Military and Transportation Sectors. In simulation private individuals or enterprises were not included or targeted without their knowledge or consent.

115 participants involved in the planning and execution of Cyber ​​Storm included international agencies and corporations as well as governmental agencies at the federal, state and local level. Participants included:

• Department of Defense
• Department of Commerce
• Department of Energy
• Department of State
• Department of Transportation
• Department of Treasury
• Department of Justice
• Director of National Intelligence
• Central Intelligence Agency
• National Security Agency
• Microsoft
• CERT Coordination Center
• States of Michigan, Montana and New York
• FBI
• U.S. Secret Service
• NORTHCOM
• American Red Cross
• Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada.

The full details have not been made public, but DHS has indicated that cyber storm was complex and comprehensive to form a good simulation of a real cyber attack. Cyber ​​Storm evaluated communication and negotiation between major organizations, but did not include major ISPs and backbone providers. DHS will later coordinate with the IT-ISAC (Information Technology Information Sharing and Analysis Center) in 2006 for a fake effort to bring the Internet down.