Malware knocks Defense Department e-mail offline
An unknown attack causes the Defense Department to shut down over a thousand computers.
Robert Vamosi Former Editor
As CNET's former resident security expert, Robert Vamosi has been interviewed on the BBC, CNN, MSNBC, and other outlets to share his knowledge about the latest online threats and to offer advice on personal and corporate security.
According to the Associated Press, the US Defense Department took 1,500 computers offline as the result of a cyber attack. No additional information about the event was provided. Defense Secretary Robert Gates said the attack happened sometime yesterday and that e-mail systems were expected to be back online later today.
Gate said during a press conference on the matter: "We obviously have redundant systems in place. ... There will be some administrative disruptions and personal inconveniences." When asked if he, personally, had been inconvenienced, Gates replied that he's a very low tech person. "I don't do e-mail."