Saturday, November 19, 2011

Foreign Computer Hackers Attacked Water Plant

In a recently released state report, a water plant in Illinois was attacked by foreign computer hackers last week. The plant was caused to fail. If the report's findings are confirmed, this would be the first known instance that a system that supplies water, power or other essentials.

In blog entry from November 6th, it was reported that there is an increase in the number of cyber-attacks on ICS (Industrial Control Systems). These systems are responsible for controlling valves, doors and routing systems.

The FBI and Department of Homeland Security are investigating this situation to determine if this attack was perpetrated by hackers. According to the preliminary findings, the cyber-attack may have originated in Russia. The attack caused minor problems that ultimately caused the pump motor to fail.

Industrial Control Systems are thought to be vulnerable to cyber-attack and need to be protected even more.

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