Was China Behind Pentagon Cyber Attack?

In a move more reminiscent of the Cold War era, the US government believes the Chinese government hacked into Pentagon computers, a charge China denies.

Although publicly the Pentagon is not saying who it believed was behind the attack, officials told the Financial TImes Monday that the People's Liberation Army is most likely responsible.

According to the FT, the attacks occurred in June, and Pentagon computers were shut down for a week as a result.

This would not be the first time China has been accused of hacking into another government's computer network. German chancellor Angela Merkel complained to Chinese premier Wen Jiabao over suspected hacks of its government systems.

In responding to the reports, China reiterated that it was vigorously opposed to what it called "Internet-wrecking crimes," which would include hacking. It also called the accusations "wild" and "groundless ... [reflecting] a Cold War mentality."

Even though it publicly denounced hacking, China has been known to attempt to snoop around US government computers. In the same token, it is likely the US does the same. However, this would mark the first time an actual hack was attempted.

Some of the FT's sources went as far as to say China could now likely disable Pentagon systems, meaning the issue could even pose a significant security threat. In this attack, however, it appears only unclassified information may have been compromised.