America faces growing EMP and cyber threats while infrastructure remains fragile
The recent widespread blackouts in Spain and Portugal that brought parts of the countries to a standstill sparked fears of a potential electromagnetic pulse (EMP) attack. While authorities later confirmed that it was not an EMP attack, the incident raised concerns about the United States’ vulnerability to similar large-scale disruptions. Cybersecurity expert Bryson Bort emphasized that the U.S. faces various threats, including EMPs, cyberattacks, and artificial intelligence (AI) attacks.
An EMP is a burst of electromagnetic energy that can disable electronic devices across vast areas. It can be natural, such as from a solar flare, or man-made, triggered by a high-altitude nuclear detonation. The catastrophic potential of an EMP is immense, as it can disrupt essential systems like car engines, cellphone towers, hospital generators, and water pumps. Former CIA Director James Woolsey once labeled EMPs as one of the greatest national vulnerabilities, with estimates suggesting that such an event could lead to the deaths of up to 90% of Americans within a year.
Despite the Trump administration issuing an executive order to prepare for EMP events, cybersecurity experts like Bort believe that the U.S. is not adequately prepared for such a threat. While there are ongoing projects like the “Golden Dome” defense system to intercept EMPs, they are still years away from completion. Moreover, Bort highlighted that cyberattacks are more likely and potentially equally devastating.
Cyberattacks, especially those orchestrated by countries like China, pose a significant threat to the U.S. infrastructure. Bort mentioned that Chinese hackers have been infiltrating American critical infrastructure since 2010, raising concerns about potential future attacks. Recent reports of communication modules embedded in Chinese-made power inverters further underscore the vulnerability of U.S. systems to cyber intrusions.
In addition to cyberattacks, the rise of artificial intelligence, particularly artificial general intelligence (AGI), presents another threat to America’s infrastructure. Military technologist Tyler Saltzman warned about the dangers of AI systems reaching human-level cognitive abilities and potentially causing widespread disruptions. The development of AGI systems could lead to scenarios where the power grid is compromised, financial systems are infiltrated, and the economy is destabilized.
As the U.S. grapples with these evolving threats, experts emphasize the need for better preparedness and coordination in responding to potential attacks. Whether the next major threat comes from an EMP, a cyberattack, or AI, it is clear that the U.S. must enhance its defense mechanisms to safeguard critical infrastructure and national security. The real fight, as Bort noted, is already happening within the country’s systems, highlighting the urgent need for proactive measures to mitigate risks and protect against future threats.
