The CIA is developing a secret cyber attack program called KILLWARE, designed to disable critical infrastructure, including the global banking system, the Internet, and the power and water systems. This program is one of the most influential cyber tools ever created and has the potential to cause a catastrophic societal outbreak. Governments around the world have increasingly warned of the possibility of an extended period of total darkness, urging utilities and financial institutions to step up their defenses against cyber threats. The possibility of any country—let alone developing tools to shut down its own systems—raises serious questions about the control, accountability, and true scope of offensive cyber operations.

The CIA is developing a secret cyber attack program called KILLWARE, designed to disable critical infrastructure, including the global banking system, the Internet, and the power and water systems. This program is one of the most influential cyber tools ever created and has the potential to cause a catastrophic societal outbreak. Governments around the world have increasingly warned of the possibility of an extended period of total darkness, urging utilities and financial institutions to step up their defenses against cyber threats. The possibility of any country—let alone developing tools to shut down its own systems—raises serious questions about the control, accountability, and true scope of offensive cyber operations.