Dec. 17 Discussion Focused on Threats, Capabilities, Attacks
The Syrian Electronic Army (SEA) is allegedly a group of hackers supporting the Syrian government of Bashar al Assad. Its tactics include denial of service attacks, defacements and spamming campaigns. Observers debate whether it is directly supported by the Damascus government; however, Assad has publicly praised the group. It targets Syrian rebels and other perceived enemies of the Assad regime, particularly news outlets. Apparent targets have included the BBC, AP, NPR, Financial Times, Washington Post and al-Jazeera.
Dr. Gabi Siboni, Director of the Military and Strategic Affairs Program at the Institute for National Security Studies in Tel Aviv, shared his analysis of the SEA background and structure, capabilities, political motivations and discussed why America should take the SEA seriously.
Potomac Institute CEO Mike Swetnam opened the discussion. Closing remarks were provided by Amb. David J. Smith, Potomac Institute Senior Fellow and Cyber Center Director; and Mr. Paul DeSouza, founder and Director, Cyber Security Forum Initiative.
Video from the event can be viewed here