Cyber-attacks, a recent arrival.

Cyber-attack is rightfully a matter of grave concern, a major threat to all. However, in terms of espionage, the worlds second oldest profession, it is a recent arrival.  Traditionally a “bug” is a miniature radio microphone and this type of attack has been present for some six decades. They are not biodegradable, they are reusable, they just need fresh batteries. In my experience the spy in question, if able to recover the bug after the information is gathered / stolen, will store the device in a safe place.

Whereas they may occasionally misplace their car keys, lose a sock, they never forget where their bug is stashed, because one day it will again be brought out to play!

Bugs are sexy, deploying them is exciting. Morals, ethics, thoughts of illegality go out the window, dwarfed by the thrill of eavesdropping, the greed for the intellectual property, the trade secrets, the critical information.

The Eavesdropping Threat

With all the other forms of technical attack, Cyber is yet another threat. Cyber-attack does not replace the eavesdropping threat, it is additive to the whole.

Watch the whole game, not just the new ball.