What could we expect from a large-scale cyberattack?

If the scenarios depicted in the 2013 movie Dragon Day are remotely possible, a large-scale cyberattack could bring almost immediate mayhem to any affected nation.

Dragon Day is based on the premise of China launching a massive cyberattack against the United States and the speed at which every aspect of life is almost instantaneously affected. The concept behind the attack is that every microchip made in China is deliberately infected with a virus that shuts down every modern form of technology that uses Chinese-made chips.

When every microchip manufactured in China no longer functions as designed, planes have no functioning radar or GPS systems, air traffic control towers have no way of monitoring or communicating with planes that are in flight. Automobiles manufactured after 1976, which have microchips as part of their vital operating systems, stop running. ATMs, credit card processing machines, and gas pumps no longer function. Utility companies can no longer deliver power, or pump water or natural gas. Oil refineries can no longer pump or deliver fuel. Stock exchanges shut down immediately. Delivery of consumer goods comes to a screeching halt and life as we knew previously no longer exists.

If such an attack occurs, we have no way of knowing exactly how and when we would realize the impact nor how our nation would react and cope. But apparently, there is reason for concern.

On March 21, President Joe Biden sent the following message via Twitter – “I’ve previously warned about the potential that Russia could conduct malicious cyber activity against the U.S. Today, I’m reiterating those warnings based on evolving intelligence that the Russian government is exploring options for potential cyberattacks.”

A recently published MSN.com article suggests that we should prepare for a possible cyberattack just as we would for a natural disaster of any kind – have plenty of non-perishable food, fresh water, batteries, and cash on hand.

A cyberattack may seem far-fetched, but a few months ago, the idea of Russia attacking a non-hostile neighbor also didn’t seem likely.