greenercomputing.com— The CIA claims that a year ago hackers invaded the networks of power utilities outside the U.S., causing power outages in several cities, and issuing extortion demands.
Mar 27, 2009View in Crawl 4
Hell, he didn't even read the description, it says "outside". Though they should have warned the victims, just like other countries warned us about 9-11 beforehand.
Anyone stupid enough to expose something so important is just asking for it. I worked on a system to allow utilities to control your power usage during peak demand, and I mentioned at every meeting that we were giving leverage to hackers. The thought had never occurred to anyone on the project, and nobody took it seriously.
What has been shown is that they are not directly connected but generally computers in management offices are. Then these also have the ability to connect to the critical systems and therein lies the problem. A simple virus or good social engineering could get you in easily.
I agree this is important, but I'm betting you an operations guy from a power company could tell you exactly why their systems have internet access. Also, "why don't they just lay down their own cable...." is a ridiculous statement. It would cost hundreds of billions of dollars and decades to undertake something like that. When the costs incurred by poor security outweigh the cost of building exclusive infrastructure, only then will exclusive infrastructure happen. It's easy to armchair-expert things like this, but the apparent 'best way' isn't always feasible.
I agree this is important, but I'm betting you an operations guy from a power company could tell you exactly why their systems have internet access. Also, "why don't they just lay down their own cable...." is a ridiculous statement. It would cost hundreds of billions of dollars and decades to undertake something like that. When the costs incurred by poor security outweigh the cost of building exclusive infrastructure, only then will exclusive infrastructure happen. It's easy to armchair-expert things like this, but the apparent 'best way' isn't always feasible.
If you had BluePoint Security this would not have happened. It's not rocket science to protect a computer. All you need is a product like theirs to block hackers. www.bluepointsecurity.com
immatellyouwhatMar 27, 2009
WE ARE EVERYWHERE...
immatellyouwhatMar 28, 2009
I guess no one got the Eagle Eye reference?
leepiiMar 28, 2009
Looks like the Mossad has been busy. Or did the CIA not farm this one out?
veni_vidi_viciMar 28, 2009
Hell, he didn't even read the description, it says "outside". Though they should have warned the victims, just like other countries warned us about 9-11 beforehand.
sadjokerMar 28, 2009
In Soviet Russia the power grid hacks you!
greenvortexMar 28, 2009
Anyone stupid enough to expose something so important is just asking for it. I worked on a system to allow utilities to control your power usage during peak demand, and I mentioned at every meeting that we were giving leverage to hackers. The thought had never occurred to anyone on the project, and nobody took it seriously.
hd1912Mar 29, 2009
Ha, typical. The U.S gov is so messed up. Maybe Jack Baur can find these hackers.<a class="user" href="http://www.crushmypc.com" rel="nofollow">http://www.crushmypc.com</a>
nerddtvgApr 7, 2009
What has been shown is that they are not directly connected but generally computers in management offices are. Then these also have the ability to connect to the critical systems and therein lies the problem. A simple virus or good social engineering could get you in easily.
zigzApr 13, 2009
I agree this is important, but I'm betting you an operations guy from a power company could tell you exactly why their systems have internet access. Also, "why don't they just lay down their own cable...." is a ridiculous statement. It would cost hundreds of billions of dollars and decades to undertake something like that. When the costs incurred by poor security outweigh the cost of building exclusive infrastructure, only then will exclusive infrastructure happen. It's easy to armchair-expert things like this, but the apparent 'best way' isn't always feasible.
zigzApr 13, 2009
I agree this is important, but I'm betting you an operations guy from a power company could tell you exactly why their systems have internet access. Also, "why don't they just lay down their own cable...." is a ridiculous statement. It would cost hundreds of billions of dollars and decades to undertake something like that. When the costs incurred by poor security outweigh the cost of building exclusive infrastructure, only then will exclusive infrastructure happen. It's easy to armchair-expert things like this, but the apparent 'best way' isn't always feasible.
trader76Jul 22, 2009
If you had BluePoint Security this would not have happened. It's not rocket science to protect a computer. All you need is a product like theirs to block hackers. www.bluepointsecurity.com