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posted by LaminatorX on Thursday July 02 2015, @08:36AM   Printer-friendly
from the dark-fiber dept.

USA Today reports that the FBI is investigating at least 11 physical attacks on high-capacity Internet cables in California's San Francisco Bay Area dating back to at least July 6, 2014, including one early this week. "When it affects multiple companies and cities, it does become disturbing," says Special Agent Greg Wuthrich. "We definitely need the public's assistance." The pattern of attacks raises serious questions about the glaring vulnerability of critical Internet infrastructure, says JJ Thompson. "When it's situations that are scattered all in one geography, that raises the possibility that they are testing our capabilities, response times and impact," says Thompson. "That is a security person's nightmare."

Mark Peterson, a spokesman for Internet provider Wave Broadband, says an unspecified number of Sacramento-area customers were knocked offline by the latest attack. Peterson characterized the Tuesday attack as "coordinated" and said the company was working with Level 3 and Zayo to restore service. It's possible the vandals were dressed as telecommunications workers to avoid arousing suspicion, say FBI officials. Backup systems help cushion consumers from the worst of the attacks, meaning people may notice slower email or videos not playing, but may not have service completely disrupted. But repairs are costly and penalties are not stiff enough to deter would-be vandals. "There are flags and signs indicating to somebody who wants to do damage: This is where it is folks," says Richard Doherty. "It's a terrible social crime that affects thousands and millions of people."


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  • (Score: 0, Interesting) by Anonymous Coward on Thursday July 02 2015, @08:45AM

    by Anonymous Coward on Thursday July 02 2015, @08:45AM (#204141)

    Wireless companies are cutting their competitors fibers to get consumers to switch to wireless instead.

    Meanwhile, blame DEH TERRISTS for AT LEAST 9/11 PHYSICAL ATTACKS!

    We need More military police funding! KILL the fucking rag-heads who hate OUR FREEDOMS!

    HOW will you get your CAT VIDEOS with TERRISTS fucking up YER INTRNET!

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  • (Score: 2) by DeathMonkey on Monday July 06 2015, @07:16PM

    by DeathMonkey (1380) on Monday July 06 2015, @07:16PM (#205794) Journal

    DID anyone else READ this IN a william SHATNER voice?