Taiwan Military to Show off Computer Virus Capability

[InfoSec News <isn () C4I ORG>]

http://www.chinatimes.com.tw//english/epolitic/89080708.htm

2000.08.08 @ 2:24am Taiwan time updated

TAIPEI, Aug 7 (AFP) - Taiwan's military for the first time is to
demonstrate its computer virus capability at major war-games later
this month, it was reported Monday.

"The blue and red units involved in the coming Han Kuang (Han Glory
war games) will for the first time use computer viruses to attack each
other's information network," the Liberty Times newspaper quoted a top
defence ministry official as saying.

The blue units represent Taiwanese force, while red units stand for
mainland Chinese forces.

The official said both units had been exposed to the same types of
computer viruses in the manoeuvers last year.

"How to shield any attack from computer viruses was the major concern
last year. Efforts would focus on virus offensive this year," he said.

The paper said the military authorities have worked out some 2,000
types of computer viruses and the anti-virus capability of the
military units has been upgraded.

"The military is now able to shield itself from many computer viruses
including 'I Love You' virus and scores of its derivatives which swept
the world earlier this year," the official said.

Chief of the General Staff Tang Yao-ming warned last year China may
launch an "information war," including the use of computer viruses to
paralyse military command, energy, transportation and banking systems,
before an invasion of Taiwan.

China, which has regarded Taiwan as part of its territory awaiting
reunification since their separation in 1949 at the end of a civil
war, has repeatedly vowed to take the island by force should it
declare formal independence.

Local media had previously said China'a People's Liberation Army had
simulated computer virus offensives in exercises in Shenyang, Beijing,
and Nanjing over the past two years.

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