Datamation Logo

Stuxnet Was ‘Good Idea’: Former CIA Chief

March 5, 2012
Datamation content and product recommendations are editorially independent. We may make money when you click on links to our partners. Learn More .

AFP: On the CBS show “60 Minutes,” two former top U.S. security officials expressed both admiration and concern about the Stuxnet virus. Retired general Michael Hayden, who previously headed the CIA and the NSA, said, “This was a good idea, alright?” He continued, “But I also admit this was a big idea, too. The rest of the world is looking at this and saying ‘Clearly, someone has legitimated this kind of activity as acceptable.'”

Although many observers believe the U.S. or Israel was behind the cyberweapon, Hayden said he didn’t know who created Stuxnet.

Sean McGurk, a former cybersecurity official in the Department of Homeland Security, expressed concern that Stuxnet or similar weapons would now be used against the U.S. “They opened the box,” he said. “They demonstrated the capability… it’s not something that can be put back.”

  SEE ALL
ARTICLES
 

Subscribe to Data Insider

Learn the latest news and best practices about data science, big data analytics, artificial intelligence, data security, and more.

Datamation Logo

Datamation is the leading industry resource for B2B data professionals and technology buyers. Datamation's focus is on providing insight into the latest trends and innovation in AI, data security, big data, and more, along with in-depth product recommendations and comparisons. More than 1.7M users gain insight and guidance from Datamation every year.

Advertisers

Advertise with TechnologyAdvice on Datamation and our other data and technology-focused platforms.

Advertise with Us

Our Brands


Privacy Policy Terms & Conditions About Contact Advertise California - Do Not Sell My Information

Property of TechnologyAdvice.
© 2025 TechnologyAdvice. All Rights Reserved

Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the products that appear on this site are from companies from which TechnologyAdvice receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site including, for example, the order in which they appear. TechnologyAdvice does not include all companies or all types of products available in the marketplace.