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‘Russian’ Hackers Seize Control Of U.S. Public Water System By Remotely Destroying Pump

Wednesday, November 23, 2011 23:47
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(Before It's News)

 
  • Attacks on critical infrastructure set worrying precedent for security officials
  • Hacked SCADA software also used in nuclear power stations and on oil rigs
  • Officials trace attack to computer in Russia

By Graham Smith

Russian cyber criminals have destroyed a pump used to supply water to thousands of homes in Illinois, according to an infrastructure control systems expert.

Hackers accessed the public water facility in the city of Springfield and are believed to have then broken the pump by remotely turning it on and off in quick succession.

The incident, which took place on November 8, sets a worrying precedent for security officials – particularly after another hacker has since claimed to have taken control of a second U.S. facility.

 
Hackers using a computer in Russia have accessed an Illinois public water facility and are believed to have then broken the pump by remotely turning it on and off quickly

Hackers using a computer in Russia have accessed an Illinois public water facility and are believed to have then broken the pump by remotely turning it on and off quickly

Joe Weiss, who advises utilities on how to protect themselves against hackers, told the AFP news agency: 'This is arguably the first case where we have had a hack of critical infrastructure from outside the United States that caused damage.

'That is what is so big about this. They could have done anything because they had access to the master station.'

The attack, which is being investigated by the FBI and the U.S. Department For Homeland Security (DHS), has been traced to a computer in Russia, Mr Weiss said.

continue at The Daily Mail:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2064283/Hackers-control-U-S-public-water-treatment-facilities.html

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Total 2 comments
  • Now they’re making up excuses to get into a war with Russia?

  • Ya author John Rolls this is old news now. Perhaps you should look around all the news that says that they are now saying it DID NOT happen from foreign hacks at all. ALL the major networks even covered this today. Maybe you should do some research on each subject before you paste and post and stop spreading disinfo ???????????????????

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