Crackers Cause Pentagon to Put Computers Offline

Anarchysoft writes "As many as 1500 Pentagon computers were brought offline on Wednesday in response to a cyber attack. Defense Secretary Robert Gates reported of the fallout both that the attack had 'no adverse impact on department operations' and that 'there will be some administrative disruptions and personal inconveniences.' When asked whether his own e-mail had been compromised, Gates responded, 'I don't do e-mail. I'm a very low-tech person.'"

Comments

Re:Gates onto something??

[Belacgod]

In 1914 General Joffre, commander of the French forces, refused to use the telephone, claiming he "didn't understand the mechanism." Therefore he spent hours driving back and forth to the British army headquarters in the middle of a desperate campaign to stop the Germans. It is believed that he feared his words being recorded on the other end without his knowledge.

Email? Why should he?

[crucini]

Quite a few posters here seem to think Gates is a fool for not using email. To me, that shows an inability to understand his role. He's not a sysadmin or middle manager; he's the head of a huge federal agency. To me, that implies:

• He's very busy.
  
• He has too many documents to read, and too many meetings to attend.
  
• He's supported by able subordinates whose only goal is to increase his effectiveness.
  
• Someone else keeps his schedule.
  
• Someone else types any emails or memos from his office.
  What could someone like that gain from personally using email?
  
  Actually, I wonder how many CEOs use email.