The
Stuxnet Virus, first detected in
June of this year, is the first known
computer worm or Malware designed specifically
to target and infiltrate industrial
Supervisory Control
and Data Acquisition (SCADA) software used to monitor and
control facilities such as oil refineries,
electric power plants, nuclear power
plants, pipelines, and chemical plants.
Stuxnet is primarily spread via USB
sticks, which allows it to infect computers
and networks that aren't connected to
the Internet. Unlike most Malware, Stuxnet
is not intended to steal proprietary
data or for financial gain. It is solely
intended to launch digital strikes at
physical targets within core operating
software.
"This could very well be the first
time we've witnessed a cyber weapon created
to cross from the digital realm to the
physical world for the sole purpose of
sabotage," said Peter Madsen, President
and CEO of Encore Networks. "This
highly customized Malware is designed
to find a particular target and needs
no outside guidance to take control of
your infrastructure."
Recognizing for years that Cyber security
is of paramount importance for advanced
automation and communications networks,
Encore has designed and implemented security
solutions for electric, gas and oil utilities
as well as pipelines and alternative
fuel facilities.
Encore ensures the security and reliability
of Cyber assets with its BANDIT™ line
of industrial and temperature hardened
security devices. BANDIT™ ruggedized
routers all include firewalls, VPN capabilities,
the ELIOS™ proprietary operating system,
and no outside interface connections
such as USB ports and flash drives. All
Encore products are NERC CIP, NIST and
FERC compliant which address specific
mandated security requirements for the
protection of utility SCADA networks.
Mr. Madsen continued, "Encore views
Cyber security as more than just a function
of software. We take a two pronged approach
to minimize the risks of an attack. First,
by designing a router with no outside
interfaces we have eliminated unauthorized
access to a SCADA network through an
unprotected USB port, which is the method
used to launch the Stuxnet worm. Second,
since Encore's ELIOS™ operating
system is proprietary, it is virtually
impossible to target, making it
much more secure than commercial
operating systems used in various other
routers."
Stuxnet is a wake-up call not only for
the utility industry, but for everyone
who relies on the power grid. Groups
or individuals intent on the destruction
of the world's power infrastructure have
become more sophisticated, dangerous
and well funded.
For information on Encore's Advanced
Cyber Security products contact;
Scott Burk
703-318-4385
sburk@encorenetworks.com
Matt Girard
703-318-4360
mgirard@encorenetworks.com |
