The Department of Homeland Security released some alarming news on Friday. The federal agency revealed that government computers have software that has been infected with malware and that the threat that lies in being hacked is very real. According to ABC News, hackers thought to be working for the Russian government inserted trojan horse malware into the software that controls important industrial operations, like gas and oil pipelines, water distribution, wind turbines and nuclear plants. Should some part of these systems be compromised, hundreds of thousands of Americans would be affected.
Alarmingly, the malware has been in the software since 2011, but no attempts have been made to make it active in terms of damaging any of the control processes. Though of course this is good news, it leaves little clue as to when an attack might come, which has officials worried.
We’re at least familiar with the malware, because we’ve seen it in use before. Called “BlackEnergy,” this malware was used by a Russian hacking group called SandWorm Team earlier this year, when the group was attempting to track NATO. A bulletin from the DHS noted that, compared to that incident, the one that was most recently found bears many similarities, which hints that the malware placed in the government’s software is likely linked to the same group and could be part of the same campaign. SC Magazine notes that the malware can be used for nearly any purpose, so its intended purpose—whether it be stealing information or altering industrial processes—is still unclear.
The software, while controlling some very complex operations, is itself very advanced. It allows users to control industrial processes remotely, via an iPad or smartphone. It also facilitates information sharing. In hands other than friendly ones, this could be a very powerful and dangerous resource.
via Examiner National Edition Gadgets & Tech Channel Articles http://ift.tt/1vVyHne