Cyberattacks Put Russian Fingers on the Switch at Power Plants, U.S. Says

[EvilEyeFleegle]

Cyberattacks Put Russian Fingers on the Switch at Power Plants, U.S. Says


Not really new news---but it seems the public is inured to such things--I bet that would change in a hurry...if the lights went off.

"The Trump administration accused Russia on Thursday of engineering a series of cyberattacks that targeted American and European nuclear power plants and water and electric systems, and could have sabotaged or shut power plants off at will.

United States officials and private security firms saw the attacks as a signal by Moscow that it could disrupt the West’s critical facilities in the event of a conflict.

They said the strikes accelerated in late 2015, at the same time the Russian interference in the American election was underway. The attackers had successfully compromised some operators in North America and Europe by spring 2017, after President Trump was inaugurated.

In the following months, according to a Department of Homeland Security report issued on Thursday, Russian hackers made their way to machines with access to critical control systems at power plants that were not identified. The hackers never went so far as to sabotage or shut down the computer systems that guide the operations of the plants.


Still, new computer screenshots released by the Department of Homeland Security on Thursday made clear that Russian state hackers had the foothold they would have needed to manipulate or shut down power plants.


“We now have evidence they’re sitting on the machines, connected to industrial control infrastructure, that allow them to effectively turn the power off or effect sabotage,” said Eric Chien, a security technology director at Symantec, a digital security firm.

“From what we can see, they were there. They have the ability to shut the power off. All that’s missing is some political motivation,” Mr. Chien said."

 

[Likkmee]

Or give PoodyPoot a couple fifths of tRumps Vodka and tell him it's a video game

 

[Fort Fun Indiana]

Cyberattacks Put Russian Fingers on the Switch at Power Plants, U.S. Says


Not really new news---but it seems the public is inured to such things--I bet that would change in a hurry...if the lights went off.

"The Trump administration accused Russia on Thursday of engineering a series of cyberattacks that targeted American and European nuclear power plants and water and electric systems, and could have sabotaged or shut power plants off at will.

United States officials and private security firms saw the attacks as a signal by Moscow that it could disrupt the West’s critical facilities in the event of a conflict.

They said the strikes accelerated in late 2015, at the same time the Russian interference in the American election was underway. The attackers had successfully compromised some operators in North America and Europe by spring 2017, after President Trump was inaugurated.

In the following months, according to a Department of Homeland Security report issued on Thursday, Russian hackers made their way to machines with access to critical control systems at power plants that were not identified. The hackers never went so far as to sabotage or shut down the computer systems that guide the operations of the plants.


Still, new computer screenshots released by the Department of Homeland Security on Thursday made clear that Russian state hackers had the foothold they would have needed to manipulate or shut down power plants.


“We now have evidence they’re sitting on the machines, connected to industrial control infrastructure, that allow them to effectively turn the power off or effect sabotage,” said Eric Chien, a security technology director at Symantec, a digital security firm.

“From what we can see, they were there. They have the ability to shut the power off. All that’s missing is some political motivation,” Mr. Chien said."

If they can do it, so can we. So it is "M.A.D.".

 

[EvilEyeFleegle]

Cyberattacks Put Russian Fingers on the Switch at Power Plants, U.S. Says


Not really new news---but it seems the public is inured to such things--I bet that would change in a hurry...if the lights went off.

"The Trump administration accused Russia on Thursday of engineering a series of cyberattacks that targeted American and European nuclear power plants and water and electric systems, and could have sabotaged or shut power plants off at will.

United States officials and private security firms saw the attacks as a signal by Moscow that it could disrupt the West’s critical facilities in the event of a conflict.

They said the strikes accelerated in late 2015, at the same time the Russian interference in the American election was underway. The attackers had successfully compromised some operators in North America and Europe by spring 2017, after President Trump was inaugurated.

In the following months, according to a Department of Homeland Security report issued on Thursday, Russian hackers made their way to machines with access to critical control systems at power plants that were not identified. The hackers never went so far as to sabotage or shut down the computer systems that guide the operations of the plants.


Still, new computer screenshots released by the Department of Homeland Security on Thursday made clear that Russian state hackers had the foothold they would have needed to manipulate or shut down power plants.


“We now have evidence they’re sitting on the machines, connected to industrial control infrastructure, that allow them to effectively turn the power off or effect sabotage,” said Eric Chien, a security technology director at Symantec, a digital security firm.

“From what we can see, they were there. They have the ability to shut the power off. All that’s missing is some political motivation,” Mr. Chien said."

If they can do it, so can we. So it is "M.A.D.".

That is bad logic, as it assumes facts not in possession. You do NOT know this to be the case in the cyber-war world. If it comforts you, so be it

 

[Fort Fun Indiana]

Cyberattacks Put Russian Fingers on the Switch at Power Plants, U.S. Says


Not really new news---but it seems the public is inured to such things--I bet that would change in a hurry...if the lights went off.

"The Trump administration accused Russia on Thursday of engineering a series of cyberattacks that targeted American and European nuclear power plants and water and electric systems, and could have sabotaged or shut power plants off at will.

United States officials and private security firms saw the attacks as a signal by Moscow that it could disrupt the West’s critical facilities in the event of a conflict.

They said the strikes accelerated in late 2015, at the same time the Russian interference in the American election was underway. The attackers had successfully compromised some operators in North America and Europe by spring 2017, after President Trump was inaugurated.

In the following months, according to a Department of Homeland Security report issued on Thursday, Russian hackers made their way to machines with access to critical control systems at power plants that were not identified. The hackers never went so far as to sabotage or shut down the computer systems that guide the operations of the plants.


Still, new computer screenshots released by the Department of Homeland Security on Thursday made clear that Russian state hackers had the foothold they would have needed to manipulate or shut down power plants.


“We now have evidence they’re sitting on the machines, connected to industrial control infrastructure, that allow them to effectively turn the power off or effect sabotage,” said Eric Chien, a security technology director at Symantec, a digital security firm.

“From what we can see, they were there. They have the ability to shut the power off. All that’s missing is some political motivation,” Mr. Chien said."

If they can do it, so can we. So it is "M.A.D.".

That is bad logic, as it assumes facts not in possession. You do NOT know this to be the case in the cyber-war world. If it comforts you, so be it

And you dont know the reports in your OP to be true, either. While I may not be in possession of evidence, it is still fair to make determinations. One determination I made is that we have the technology and skill to pull this off, if the technology and skill exist at all. I think that was a fair determination to make. Your prima facie, ad hoc rejection of my determination (which was conditional anyway) is just a tactic of avoiding debate, not engaging in it.

 

[EvilEyeFleegle]

Cyberattacks Put Russian Fingers on the Switch at Power Plants, U.S. Says


Not really new news---but it seems the public is inured to such things--I bet that would change in a hurry...if the lights went off.

"The Trump administration accused Russia on Thursday of engineering a series of cyberattacks that targeted American and European nuclear power plants and water and electric systems, and could have sabotaged or shut power plants off at will.

United States officials and private security firms saw the attacks as a signal by Moscow that it could disrupt the West’s critical facilities in the event of a conflict.

They said the strikes accelerated in late 2015, at the same time the Russian interference in the American election was underway. The attackers had successfully compromised some operators in North America and Europe by spring 2017, after President Trump was inaugurated.

In the following months, according to a Department of Homeland Security report issued on Thursday, Russian hackers made their way to machines with access to critical control systems at power plants that were not identified. The hackers never went so far as to sabotage or shut down the computer systems that guide the operations of the plants.


Still, new computer screenshots released by the Department of Homeland Security on Thursday made clear that Russian state hackers had the foothold they would have needed to manipulate or shut down power plants.


“We now have evidence they’re sitting on the machines, connected to industrial control infrastructure, that allow them to effectively turn the power off or effect sabotage,” said Eric Chien, a security technology director at Symantec, a digital security firm.

“From what we can see, they were there. They have the ability to shut the power off. All that’s missing is some political motivation,” Mr. Chien said."

If they can do it, so can we. So it is "M.A.D.".

That is bad logic, as it assumes facts not in possession. You do NOT know this to be the case in the cyber-war world. If it comforts you, so be it

And you dont know the reports in your OP to be true, either. While I may not be in possession of evidence, it is still fair to make determinations. One determination I made is that we have the technology and skill to pull this off, if the technology and skill exist at all. I think that was a fair determination to make. Your prima face, ad hoc rejection of my determination is just a tactic of avoiding debate, not engaging in it.

and now you infer motive..and incorrectly, at that. You did not make a determination...you made an assumption. A fair assumption? In the eye of the beholder, I think.

The reports quoted could be all BS..but what are the odds? Where I to try to find comfort at all..it would be in that they found the intrusions..and hopefully, have done something about it. Our country is weird about private businesses and Public Utilities.

Meahwhile...the generator is fueled...the well gives water..and I can stream Netflix. American freedom!

 

[Fort Fun Indiana]

Cyberattacks Put Russian Fingers on the Switch at Power Plants, U.S. Says


Not really new news---but it seems the public is inured to such things--I bet that would change in a hurry...if the lights went off.

"The Trump administration accused Russia on Thursday of engineering a series of cyberattacks that targeted American and European nuclear power plants and water and electric systems, and could have sabotaged or shut power plants off at will.

United States officials and private security firms saw the attacks as a signal by Moscow that it could disrupt the West’s critical facilities in the event of a conflict.

They said the strikes accelerated in late 2015, at the same time the Russian interference in the American election was underway. The attackers had successfully compromised some operators in North America and Europe by spring 2017, after President Trump was inaugurated.

In the following months, according to a Department of Homeland Security report issued on Thursday, Russian hackers made their way to machines with access to critical control systems at power plants that were not identified. The hackers never went so far as to sabotage or shut down the computer systems that guide the operations of the plants.


Still, new computer screenshots released by the Department of Homeland Security on Thursday made clear that Russian state hackers had the foothold they would have needed to manipulate or shut down power plants.


“We now have evidence they’re sitting on the machines, connected to industrial control infrastructure, that allow them to effectively turn the power off or effect sabotage,” said Eric Chien, a security technology director at Symantec, a digital security firm.

“From what we can see, they were there. They have the ability to shut the power off. All that’s missing is some political motivation,” Mr. Chien said."

If they can do it, so can we. So it is "M.A.D.".

That is bad logic, as it assumes facts not in possession. You do NOT know this to be the case in the cyber-war world. If it comforts you, so be it

And you dont know the reports in your OP to be true, either. While I may not be in possession of evidence, it is still fair to make determinations. One determination I made is that we have the technology and skill to pull this off, if the technology and skill exist at all. I think that was a fair determination to make. Your prima face, ad hoc rejection of my determination is just a tactic of avoiding debate, not engaging in it.

and now you infer motive..and incorrectly, at that. You did not make a determination...you made an assumption. A fair assumption? In the eye of the beholder, I think.

The reports quoted could be all BS..but what are the odds? Where I to try to find comfort at all..it would be in that they found the intrusions..and hopefully, have done something about it. Our country is weird about private businesses and Public Utilities.

Meahwhile...the generator is fueled...the well gives water..and I can stream Netflix. American freedom!

Let's try this again. I will be less pithy and more vanilla, both for your benefit:

If this is true, then I think it is fair to assume we are capable of similar damage to Russian infrastructure. I think it is also fair to assume that, if all of the above is true, then Russia knows this. I think then, should all of the above be true, this represents a functioning, mutual deterrent.

Still triggered? I keed, I keed....

 

[BlackSand]

Cyberattacks Put Russian Fingers on the Switch at Power Plants, U.S. Says

Russia Russia Russia ... ... Norse Attack Map


.

 

[EvilEyeFleegle]

Cyberattacks Put Russian Fingers on the Switch at Power Plants, U.S. Says


Not really new news---but it seems the public is inured to such things--I bet that would change in a hurry...if the lights went off.

"The Trump administration accused Russia on Thursday of engineering a series of cyberattacks that targeted American and European nuclear power plants and water and electric systems, and could have sabotaged or shut power plants off at will.

United States officials and private security firms saw the attacks as a signal by Moscow that it could disrupt the West’s critical facilities in the event of a conflict.

They said the strikes accelerated in late 2015, at the same time the Russian interference in the American election was underway. The attackers had successfully compromised some operators in North America and Europe by spring 2017, after President Trump was inaugurated.

In the following months, according to a Department of Homeland Security report issued on Thursday, Russian hackers made their way to machines with access to critical control systems at power plants that were not identified. The hackers never went so far as to sabotage or shut down the computer systems that guide the operations of the plants.


Still, new computer screenshots released by the Department of Homeland Security on Thursday made clear that Russian state hackers had the foothold they would have needed to manipulate or shut down power plants.


“We now have evidence they’re sitting on the machines, connected to industrial control infrastructure, that allow them to effectively turn the power off or effect sabotage,” said Eric Chien, a security technology director at Symantec, a digital security firm.

“From what we can see, they were there. They have the ability to shut the power off. All that’s missing is some political motivation,” Mr. Chien said."

If they can do it, so can we. So it is "M.A.D.".

That is bad logic, as it assumes facts not in possession. You do NOT know this to be the case in the cyber-war world. If it comforts you, so be it

And you dont know the reports in your OP to be true, either. While I may not be in possession of evidence, it is still fair to make determinations. One determination I made is that we have the technology and skill to pull this off, if the technology and skill exist at all. I think that was a fair determination to make. Your prima face, ad hoc rejection of my determination is just a tactic of avoiding debate, not engaging in it.

and now you infer motive..and incorrectly, at that. You did not make a determination...you made an assumption. A fair assumption? In the eye of the beholder, I think.

The reports quoted could be all BS..but what are the odds? Where I to try to find comfort at all..it would be in that they found the intrusions..and hopefully, have done something about it. Our country is weird about private businesses and Public Utilities.

Meahwhile...the generator is fueled...the well gives water..and I can stream Netflix. American freedom!

Let's try this again. I will be less pithy and more vanilla, both for your benefit:

If this is true, then I think it is fair to assume we are capable of similar damage to Russian infrastructure. I think it is also fair to assume that, if all of the above is true, then Russia knows this. I think then, should all of the above be true, this represents a functioning, mutual deterrent.

Still triggered? I keed, I keed....

Makes a bit more sense..you should keep to this style. Dunno about triggered..I did get a laugh out of being accused of avoided debate in one post..and being 'Triggered' in the next. I'm somewhere in the middle, i guess.

You engaged, I responded----same ole, same ole....

BTW---I think the Cyber-world to be too fluid to make any firm assumptions as to motive or even players--In a State to State conflict the concept of MAD is quite viable....throw in some anarchists, some Oligarchs, some folk who just like to stir the Shit----Gonna be a bumpy ride for some people--and that is MY assumption.

 

[Fort Fun Indiana]

If they can do it, so can we. So it is "M.A.D.".

That is bad logic, as it assumes facts not in possession. You do NOT know this to be the case in the cyber-war world. If it comforts you, so be it

And you dont know the reports in your OP to be true, either. While I may not be in possession of evidence, it is still fair to make determinations. One determination I made is that we have the technology and skill to pull this off, if the technology and skill exist at all. I think that was a fair determination to make. Your prima face, ad hoc rejection of my determination is just a tactic of avoiding debate, not engaging in it.

and now you infer motive..and incorrectly, at that. You did not make a determination...you made an assumption. A fair assumption? In the eye of the beholder, I think.

The reports quoted could be all BS..but what are the odds? Where I to try to find comfort at all..it would be in that they found the intrusions..and hopefully, have done something about it. Our country is weird about private businesses and Public Utilities.

Meahwhile...the generator is fueled...the well gives water..and I can stream Netflix. American freedom!

Let's try this again. I will be less pithy and more vanilla, both for your benefit:

If this is true, then I think it is fair to assume we are capable of similar damage to Russian infrastructure. I think it is also fair to assume that, if all of the above is true, then Russia knows this. I think then, should all of the above be true, this represents a functioning, mutual deterrent.

Still triggered? I keed, I keed....

Makes a bit more sense..you should keep to this style. Dunno about triggered..I did get a laugh out of being accused of avoided debate in one post..and being 'Triggered' in the next. I'm somewhere in the middle, i guess.

You engaged, I responded----same ole, same ole....

BTW---I think the Cyber-world to be too fluid to make any firm assumptions as to motive or even players--In a State to State conflict the concept of MAD is quite viable....throw in some anarchists, some Oligarchs, some folk who just like to stir the Shit----Gonna be a bumpy ride for some people--and that is MY assumption.

I agree with that assumption, but it may come with a saving grace: it seems to be pretty hard hide the source of hacking. Even the top world powers seem to be failing at it. So, an even somewhat reasonable actor, be it a state or head of state, would have to be absolutely certain it was another state attacking them, before defying this "MAD" detente.

 

[waltky]

US intel warns of Russian threat to power grid...

US military given more authority to launch preventative cyberattacks
Tue September 18, 2018 - The US military is taking a more aggressive stance against foreign government hackers who are targeting the US and is being granted more authority to launch preventative cyberstrikes, according to a summary of the Department of Defense's new Cyber Strategy

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The Pentagon is referring to the new stance as "defend forward," and the strategy will allow the US military "to disrupt or halt malicious cyber activity at its source, including activity that falls below the level of armed conflict." The new military strategy, signed by Defense Secretary James Mattis, also emphasizes an intention to "build a more lethal force" of first-strike hackers. The "defend forward" initiative wasn't included in the 2015 strategy and further enables the United States to carry out offensive hacking operations to defend against cyberattacks on critical US infrastructure, such as election systems and the energy grid.

In effect, it gives the US military more authority to act on its own -- even against computer networks based in friendly countries. Normally, one nation's hackers will establish a computer network in a second country before launching an attack on a third country. For example, Russia might use computers in Germany to attack the United States. Until recently, if the US National Security Agency observed Russian hackers building a computer network in a Western European country, the president's National Security Council would need to weigh in before any action is taken. Now, the NSA won't have to give its seal of approval, according to Jason Healey, a senior research scholar at Columbia University and former George W. Bush White House cyber official.

US intel warns of Russian threat to power grid​

This new strategy provides a roadmap for the military to wipe out the enemy computer network in a friendly country, said Healey. "It's extremely risky to be doing this," Healey told CNN on Tuesday. "If you loosen the rules of engagement, sometimes you're going to mess that up." There is a growing threat from government-sponsored cyberattacks that disrupt civilian life. There is a major focus on Russian efforts to disrupt the 2018 midterms and there is a concern they may target US infrastructure. In 2015, Moscow was formally accused of hacking Ukraine's electric grid in an unprecedented cyberattack that led to widespread power outages.

In 2016 and 2017, North Korea stole $81 million from Bangladesh's central bank and carried out a worldwide attack on Microsoft computers through a ransomware attack known as "WannaCry 2.0." However, under the new strategy, US offensive cyberattacks will not target civilian infrastructure, because the US must abide by a UN agreement that prohibits "damaging civilian critical infrastructure during peacetime." This is the Trump administration's second move to give the US military more autonomy over cyberattacks. It follows the National Security Council's recent replacement of an Obama-era directive with one that gives US Cyber Command -- the military's hackers -- more freedom to conduct counteroffensive hacking.

US military given more authority to launch preventative cyberattacks - CNNPolitics