On with Kara Swisher

Is America Ready for a Full-Blown Cyberwar? with Nicole Perlroth, Michael Schmidt & Lt. Col. Vindman

184 snips
Mar 20, 2025
Nicole Perlroth, a former lead cybersecurity reporter, Michael Schmidt, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, and Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman, a former NSC director, delve into the ominous world of cybersecurity threats. They discuss how adversaries like China have infiltrated U.S. critical infrastructure, the urgent need for enhanced defense strategies, and the troubling trend of defunding cybersecurity efforts. The conversation touches on the implications of AI in cyber warfare and the complex relationship between national security and civil liberties in this digital age.
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INSIGHT

Cyber Vulnerability

  • America's biggest cyber vulnerability is its unpreparedness for a large-scale attack.
  • China is already in critical infrastructure, waiting for the right moment to strike.
INSIGHT

Cyber Threat Awareness

  • The public struggles to grasp cyber threats, making narrative fiction a powerful tool.
  • 'Zero Day' helps visualize potential attacks, increasing public awareness.
ANECDOTE

Politicization of Cybersecurity

  • Trump fired CISA head Chris Krebs for confirming secure 2020 elections.
  • This politicized cybersecurity, causing some Republicans to withdraw support.
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