Joined
·
44,959 Posts
Read More at the link: http://www.wired.com/threatlevel/2010/0 ... z10TJRjrT6Blockbuster Worm Aimed for Infrastructure, But No Proof Iran Nukes Were Target
An exceptionally sophisticated piece of malware designed to attack programs used in critical infrastructure and other facilities garnered extensive attention among computer security experts this week as new details about its design and capabilities emerge, along with speculation it was aimed at disrupting Iran’s nuclear program.
“It’s the most complex piece of malware we’ve seen in the last five years or more,†says Nicolas Falliere, a code analyst at security firm Symantec. “It’s the first known time that malware is not targeting credit card [data], is not trying to steal personal user data, but is attacking real-world processing systems. That’s why it’s unique and is not over-hyped.â€
The Stuxnet worm, which was discovered in June and has infected more than 100,000 computer systems worldwide, is designed to attack the Siemens Simatic WinCC SCADA system. SCADA systems, short for “supervisory control and data acquisition,†are programs installed in pipelines, nuclear plants, utility companies and manufacturing facilities to manage operations.
Attacked the nuclear program without a shot fired. Cyber Warfare is the way of the future. Fascinating.