Wall Street Journal Reports Hackers Attacking US Infrastructure
Back in 2010, the US was accused of using a sophisticated worm to launch a cyber-attack on Iran's uranium enrichment program. In recent days, it appears that the embargoed Middle Eastern country is attempting to hit back by gaining control of oil and gas infrastructure controls; not to mention probing critical power grid functions.
Reported by the Wall Street Journal and New York Times, these attacks originate from Iran but any connection to the government cannot entirely be confirmed. Naturally, the Iranians deny any involvement with the attack.
This incident is particularly troubling because of the targets involved. Earlier attacks from suspected Chinese and North Korean hackers we mostly information gathering exercises. The hackers we hoping to capture intellectual property from the US government, most likely involving weapons programs.
Theft of fighter jet plans is one thing, but attacking the power grid is an act slightly more aggressive and could leave to more serious consequences.
