Computer Virus Fuels Talks of Political Cyber War

Article written by guest writer Rin Mitchell

What’s the Latest Development?

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) issued a security alert about a new computer virus, reportedly out to target Iran. The virus, called Flame, was identified by an ITU-appointed Russian security consultant—while investigating detrimental software travelling throughout the Middle East. The ITU believes the virus, which was erasing data in the Middle East, was created by a government. The U.S. and Israel governments are under suspicion. The consultant concluded that Flame is a “highly sophisticated cyber weapon.” The more information searchers are discovering about computer viruses indicate countries could be gearing up to go to war in cyber space.  

What’s the Big Idea?

The ITU wants some kind of cyber-peace treaty in place that will outlaw some computer weapons. The ITU is still determining the origin of the newly discovered virus. According to reports, former President George W. Bush and President Barack Obama “both authorized computer attacks against Iran, culminating in the Stuxnet virus, which targeted Iranian nuclear facilities.” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has recently formed a new coalition government, and continues “threatening a preemptive attack” to stop the Iranian nuclear program.