Expert: Global Spies Focusing On U.S. Computer Networks

Washington, DC (AHN) - U.S. intelligence agencies are warning Americans not to leap to conclusions about what countries are behind recent attacks on national computer networks.

According to a CNN report, around 140 foreign spy agencies are attempting to crack private U.S. computer systems. Joel Brenner, a national counterintelligence executive in the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, said Friday the attacks are coming from locations other than only China.

China recently was the focus of concern after several countries, including the U.S., reported attempts by foreign hackers to infiltrate national computer systems.

Speaking at a computer security gathering, Brenner said the government is quickly trying to develop a response plan in the face of computer systems he said are too easy for intruders.

The U.S. Congress recently heard testimony from experts who said international hackers could disrupt utilities and other infrastructure connected to the Internet.