nuclear-news

Malicious computer worm – “good” or “bad”, depending on who’s using it

According to computer security firm Symantec, Stuxnet may have been specifically designed to disrupt the motors that power gas centrifuges used to enrich uranium

Stuxnet was ‘good idea’: former CIA chief, Google News, (AFP) – 3 Mar 12, WASHINGTON — The Stuxnet computer virus sabotage of Iran’s nuclear program was a “good idea” but it lent legitimacy to the use of malicious software as a weapon, according to a former CIA director.
“We have entered into a new phase of conflict in which we use a cyber weapon to create physical destruction,” retired general Michael Hayden said in an interview with the CBS television show “60 Minutes” to be aired on Sunday.
“This was a good idea, alright?” Hayden said of Stuxnet in excerpts
from the interview released by CBS.
“But I also admit this was a big idea, too,” he said. “The rest of the
world is looking at this and saying ‘Clearly, someone has legitimated
this kind of activity as acceptable.’
“There are those out there who can take a look at this… and maybe
even attempt to turn it to their own purposes,” he said.
Hayden served as director of the Central Intelligence Agency from 2006
to early 2009. He headed the top secret National Security Agency from
1999 to 2005.
Hayden was no longer CIA director when the Stuxnet attack occurred and
CBS said he denied in the interview knowing who was behind it.
Suspicion has fallen on Israel and the United States, which have
accused Iran of seeking to develop a weapons capability under the
cover of a civilian nuclear drive. Tehran denies the charges…..
Stuxnet, which was detected in July 2010, targeted computer control
systems made by German industrial giant Siemens and commonly used to
manage water supplies, oil rigs, power plants and other critical
infrastructure.
Most Stuxnet infections were discovered in Iran, giving rise to
speculation it was intended to sabotage nuclear facilities there,
especially the Russian-built atomic power plant in the southern city
of Bushehr.
According to computer security firm Symantec, Stuxnet may have been
specifically designed to disrupt the motors that power gas centrifuges
used to enrich uranium…..http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5j347Aq7-ybJryT4IZVoV3hpC1UHA?docId=CNG.aec3b34b49d1fb75feeb0ccc0d43d857.441

March 3, 2012 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | general