Stuxnet is a malware program that was designed to spread itself to other computers in a network without direct user input. It did so by taking advantage of four zero-day vulnerabilities within the Microsoft Windows Operating System. The interesting aspect of the Stuxnet virus was that a casual user would never notice that the malware was on their system. Until it was able to locate its target, it did not take any malicious actions on infected systems - in order to avoid being detected before reaching its targeted destination. Once the Stuxnet virus was able to confirm that it had infected its target, it would let the command and control server know and wait for directions on how to wreak havoc. What was the target? Stuxnet was specifically scanning for the programmable logic controllers (PLC) in Iranian nuclear facilities.
Showing posts with label iranian nuclear facility. Show all posts
Showing posts with label iranian nuclear facility. Show all posts
Friday, December 12, 2014
The Need For Security In The Industrial World Part 1
If you're familiar with the Stuxnet computer worm discovered in 2010, you may already be aware of the damage that can be caused to an industrial complex when it is the victim of a targeted attack. For those who are unfamiliar with the situation, let me explain.
Stuxnet is a malware program that was designed to spread itself to other computers in a network without direct user input. It did so by taking advantage of four zero-day vulnerabilities within the Microsoft Windows Operating System. The interesting aspect of the Stuxnet virus was that a casual user would never notice that the malware was on their system. Until it was able to locate its target, it did not take any malicious actions on infected systems - in order to avoid being detected before reaching its targeted destination. Once the Stuxnet virus was able to confirm that it had infected its target, it would let the command and control server know and wait for directions on how to wreak havoc. What was the target? Stuxnet was specifically scanning for the programmable logic controllers (PLC) in Iranian nuclear facilities.
Stuxnet is a malware program that was designed to spread itself to other computers in a network without direct user input. It did so by taking advantage of four zero-day vulnerabilities within the Microsoft Windows Operating System. The interesting aspect of the Stuxnet virus was that a casual user would never notice that the malware was on their system. Until it was able to locate its target, it did not take any malicious actions on infected systems - in order to avoid being detected before reaching its targeted destination. Once the Stuxnet virus was able to confirm that it had infected its target, it would let the command and control server know and wait for directions on how to wreak havoc. What was the target? Stuxnet was specifically scanning for the programmable logic controllers (PLC) in Iranian nuclear facilities.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)