The State : Hacker Taps Lab’s Data

A hacker gained access to scientific data from computer systems at Livermore National Laboratory, but no classified information was involved, officials at the research center said. “At this point, we aren’t considering it a major attack,” said Chuck Cole, computer security manager at the lab. “But let me qualify that by saying we don’t know exactly what the guy was after and what he got.” He said that during the last several days, the hacker apparently entered five computer systems through the same network that was used to spread a computer “virus” in November. A virus is a rogue program that duplicates itself throughout a computer network, slowing computer functions and sometimes destroying data. Cole said lab officials will spend the next few days determining the damage before deciding whether to call in the FBI. Scientists at Livermore conduct research on nuclear weapons, the “Star Wars” missile defense system and other areas related to high-energy physics.