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Solve : Virus can take over power stations? |
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Answer» Virus can take over power stations We are not sure how the Trojan can connect to a command and control server as SCADA systems are typically not connected to the Internet. The reason the malware is loaded onto a USB drive is that some such systems do have USB ports, however. Never say never, but for a long time (long before the internet) almost all power companies have used either twisted pair wire they owned and installed, or closed microwave systems, to communicate between substations and power generation facilities. Now power companies use mostly fiber they own and installed. It would be very difficult to hack into that fiber. Pretty much, the only way to do it would be with some kind an inside job like a USB drive.I presume then, that said virus would be able to control power etc? Or am I just over-thinking things again? RubiKHere in California the power company is going to install 'smart meters', which is, IMO, very dumb. The impact of these devices has not been fully studied. Because they are "smart" devices they can have problems beyond anything that has been experienced with conventional mechanical meters. It is very possible to shut off HOMES in a neighborhood selectively. THINK about it. So I was right in thinking that the virus will be able to shut off power? Seems almost fantasy like, huh? RubiKSo called "smart meters" have several different forms. The original goes back at least 30 years and it was designed only to automate meter readings over phone lines rather than send a meter reader out to each house. As FAR as I know there has never been a problem with this type of meter. The newest generation can actually control when you use your washer or dryer, turns your electric water heater on and off, all for a slight discount on your electric bill. I would rather pay a little more and have control of my appliances. And the new generation is connected to the internet, so it's theoretically possible that a hacker could turn your power on and off, but generally only to ONE house at a time. Each meter has it's own IP address and I don't know how a hacker could find out what an individuals IP address is unless they had a contact in the power company. My guess is that some high profile person will get one of these "smart meters" and become a hacking target.Quote from: rthompson80819 on July 26, 2010, 03:56:19 PM The newest generation can actually control when you use your washer or dryer, turns your electric water heater on and off, all for a slight discount on your electric bill. I would rather pay a little more and have control of my appliances. I don't understand how they could do this. The power meter is placed in the mains line going into the house... unless these newer smart meters would actually be more appropriately termed a "smart breaker".It's a lot more than just a plain meter. Some of it is wireless, and some of it requires additional wiring. It's STILL a work in progress with a handful of trials going on worldwide. Personally, I don't think it ever going to become widespread. Most of the "smart meters" being installed today are not that smart, they just have a wired or wireless link from the meter to inside the home with a unit that tells you how much power useage has cost you far this month. If you go over your budget I guess you turn off all the lights and take cold showers.Quote from: rthompson80819 on July 26, 2010, 05:44:26 PM Most of the "smart meters" being installed today are not that smart, they just have a wired or wireless link from the meter to inside the home with a unit that tells you how much power useage has cost you far this month. If you go over your budget I guess you turn off all the lights and take cold showers. So... the only difference is pretty much that you can see it inside and it does some basic multiplication. I don't see how a "hacker" could take advantage of this at all. Except to perhaps change the factor it multiplies by (the kw/hr price) and confuse people. Personally, I think the "OMG we're all gonna be haxored" attitude is extremely alarmist. Last time I checked nuclear power plants had a network connection, as does every single industry, including airlines, gas pipeline controllers, etc, and yet what do people worry about? Not nuclear disasters, airline crashes or natural gas explosions, nope, apparently the end of the world is cold showers and not being able to watch TV. Quote from: BC_Programmer on July 26, 2010, 05:12:32 PM I don't understand how they could do this. The power meter is placed in the mains line going into the house... unless these newer smart meters would actually be more appropriately termed a "smart breaker".Right. That are not just meters. They are total power controllers and can report, monitor, schedule, intervene and even tattle-tale. Quote from: Geek-9pm on July 26, 2010, 07:34:04 PM Right. That are not just meters. They are total power controllers and can report, monitor, schedule, intervene and even tattle-tale. That's no different then what the Power companies can already do.Quote from: BC_Programmer on July 26, 2010, 07:41:19 PM That's no different then what the Power companies can already do.But with less man power! Quote apparently the end of the world is cold showers and not being able to watch TV. i got a kick out of this part..... |
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