30 years of neglect: How Pentagon networks became a risk to US security

A Washington Post report reveals that the Pentagon has neglected upgrading its computer networks for 30 years, focusing resources on weapons systems instead. Cybersecurity experts now assess that the development of artificial intelligence enables the detection of basic vulnerabilities in the outdated systems, endangering US national security through "zero-day" attacks.

A Washington Post report reveals that the Pentagon has delayed upgrading its outdated computer networks for nearly three decades, focusing resources on advanced weapons systems. Now, the US military's cybersecurity apparatus assesses that the development of artificial intelligence is making the ability to detect basic vulnerabilities in the Pentagon's digital systems more powerful, endangering national security. The Pentagon's Cybersecurity Agency predicted a tenfold increase in the number of cybersecurity vulnerabilities alongside the development of artificial intelligence, leaving systems exposed to "zero-day" attacks. Lieutenant General Paul Stanton, commander of the US Army's Cyber Defense Command, said, "We repeatedly postponed the handling and maintenance of our systems, thereby putting ourselves at potential risk—it's over." The article notes that the outdated systems will require a long time to repair and pose a significant risk given the pace of AI advancement.