Fergie's Tech Blog

Hackers Taking Aim at Vital Infrastructure

An AP newswire article by Jordan Robertson, via SFGate.com, reports that:

More than half of the operators of power plants and other "critical infrastructure" say in a new study that their computer networks have been infiltrated by sophisticated adversaries. In many cases, foreign governments are suspected.

The findings come in a survey released Thursday that offers a rare public look at the damage computer criminals can do to vital institutions such as power grids, water and sewage systems, and oil and gas companies. Manipulating the computer systems can cause power outages, floods, sewage spills and oil leaks.

The report was based on a survey completed by 600 executives and technology managers from infrastructure operators in 14 countries. The report was prepared by McAfee Inc., which makes security software, and the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, which analyzed the data and conducted additional interviews. The respondents aren't named and specifics aren't given about what happened in the attacks.

The report comes as concerns are growing about state-sponsored hacking and threats to critical infrastructure.

posted by Fergie @ 1/28/2010 10:23:00 PM