The DOGE Cyberattack on America

I've posted a couple of times about the cybersecurity implications of the DOGE takeover of the US government's computer systems (here and here). Now, cybersecurity expert Bruce Schneier has published an article in Foreign Policy (archive link) going into more detail on the attack (for that's exactly what it is) and its implications. I said it was bad and according the Schneier, it's even worse. 

First, system manipulation: External operators can now modify oper cybersecurity Bruce Schneier has published an article in Foreign Policy (archive link) going into more detail on the attack (for that's 2exactly what it is) and its implications. I said it was bad and according the Schneier, it's eve ations while also altering audit trails that would track their changes. Second, data exposure: Beyond accessing personal information and transaction records, these operators can copy entire system architectures and security configurations—in one case, the technical blueprint of the country’s federal payment infrastructure. Third, and most critically, is the issue of system control: These operators can alter core systems and authentication mechanisms while disabling the very tools designed to detect such changes. This is more than modifying operations; it is modifying the infrastructure that those operations use.

To address these vulnerabilities, three immediate steps are essential. First, unauthorized access must be revoked and proper authentication protocols restored. Next, comprehensive system monitoring and change management must be reinstated—which, given the difficulty of cleaning a compromised system, will likely require a complete system reset. Finally, thorough audits must be conducted of all system changes made during this period.

This is beyond politics—this is a matter of national security. Foreign national intelligence organizations will be quick to take advantage of both the chaos and the new insecurities to steal U.S. data and install backdoors to allow for future access.

Each day of continued unrestricted access makes the eventual recovery more difficult and increases the risk of irreversible damage to these critical systems. While the full impact may take time to assess, these steps represent the minimum necessary actions to begin restoring system integrity and security protocols.

Assuming that anyone in the government still cares.