Recent cyberattack likely conducted by ‘non-state actor,’ official says

Tue., Oct. 25, 2016

Associated Press

WASHINGTON – National Intelligence Director James Clapper says it appears that a “non-state actor” was behind a massive cyberattack last week that briefly blocked access to websites including Twitter and Netflix.

Clapper says investigators are gathering a lot of data and preliminary indications are that a non-state actor is to blame. But he says he wouldn’t want to completely rule out whether a nation state might have been behind it or not.

Clapper spoke Tuesday at the Council on Foreign Relations in New York.

Last Friday, cyberattacks crippled a major internet firm, repeatedly disrupting the availability of popular websites across the United States. Members of a shadowy hacker group that calls itself New World Hackers claimed responsibility for the attack, but that claim could not be verified.

Local journalism is essential.

Give directly to The Spokesman-Review's Northwest Passages community forum series -- which helps to boost local journalism -- by using the easy options below. Gifts processed in this system are tax-deductible.

Meet Our Journalists

Jesse Tinsley

Meet Jesse Tinsley. As a certified drone pilot, this veteran Spokesman-Review photographer often can be seen capturing beautiful aerial photographs of our region. Sometimes though, the job requires getting down with the dogs.
Jim Meehan

Jim Meehan is no stranger to Zag Nation. As the lead writer covering the Gonzaga men’s basketball team, he tells the stories behind the game and gets fans a bit closer to their favorite players.
Molly Quinn

There is no artist in Spokane like Molly Quinn. Her whimsical style is instantly recognizable to readers of The Spokesman-Review. She has painted gorgeous illustrations that instantly elevate the journalism accompanying it. She brings to life the stories that defy photography. She makes our pages better.
Rob Curley

Spokesman-Review editor Rob Curley loves to talk with people and learn about their lives, whether it's a best-selling author or a stranger he meets downtown on his walk to lunch. It's that inquisitive nature combined with a playful sense of storytelling that helps make our newspaper different than most.

Recent cyberattack likely conducted by ‘non-state actor,’ official says

Jesse Tinsley

Jim Meehan

Molly Quinn

Rob Curley

Democrats approve 2028 primary calendar that puts South Carolina first

Taliban mark five years in power as aid groups warn of crisis

Shooting at Virginia State University injures 5 after freshmen welcome event