Posted on 08/05/2010 9:07:02 AM PDT by Kartographer
Computer hackers have begun targeting power plants and other critical operations around the world in bold new efforts to seize control of them, setting off a scramble to shore up aging, vulnerable systems.
Cyber criminals have long tried, at times successfully, to break into vital networks and power systems. But last month, experts for the first time discovered a malicious computer code — called a worm — specifically created to take over systems that control the inner workings of industrial plants.
In response to the growing threat, the Department of Homeland Security has begun building specialized teams that can respond quickly to cyber emergencies at industrial facilities across the country.
(Excerpt) Read more at google.com ...
Well the jokes on them. We won’t have power plants in a couple of years anyway.
The story has been public for 2 years.
Hey...try it, you imbeciles.....the Facebook/Twitter generation will be REALLY PISSED!
will the hackers be using standby generators to power their computers then?
Why are these systems connected to the Internet to begin with.
Old news - infrastructure has been a target for years. Military, government and private entities have been running exercises in the San Antonio area for a number of years to deal with this very issue. Doesn’t mean it’s not still a concern, however...exercises are only helpful if you learn from them.
Colonel, USAFR
Treat them like terrorists when you find them, because that is the action they are engaging in.
(Free) Power to the People!
How is this new? They’ve been working on this for a while.
At least you don’t have to worry about the nukes. With a couple of exceptions, they are controlled by analog or non-computer digital systems.
I’m not even sure the exceptions are accessible from the outside.
1. These systems are usually off the internet.
2. There are now security standards for these systems, which are being implemented by the various vendors.
It’s a non-story.
It was the plot of “Live Free or Die Hard” - 2007
They're not. But they are connected to the communications network that encompasses the internet, phone network, banking, and just about everything else. Firewalls and layers of security provide protection. It is those layers of security that these hackers hope to penetrate.
Of course, a manned power plant operator can easily override the control signals and the plant can be operated locally. Just like the old days. In fact, some plants are still operated locally. The operators simply follow verbal instructions from the generation dispatcher.
See?, Reid,Pelosi and ALgore have a plan to keep us all safe!
let’s see those hackers blow out our candles ,steal our wool sweaters and our bicycles!
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