HACKERS TARGET POWER GRIDS

Security experts have long warned of the vulnerability of critical infrastructure like power, transportation and water systems to malicious hackers. CIA officials revealed that hackers have penetrated power systems in several regions outside the U.S., and "in at least one case, caused a power outage affecting multiple cities."

In August 2007, researcher Ganesh Devarajan of a security firm threw some light on this matter. He gave a presentation showing techniques that hackers can use to manipulate the SCADA systems and make it vulnerable; the U.S. Department of Homeland Security demonstrated a video which clearly showed how a cyber-intrusion could be used to physically destroy a large power generator. Meanwhile, the CIA is questioning whether or not SCADA is the vulnerability in question.

Bruce Schneier, chief technology officer for security firm BT Counterpane says” Regardless of the tactics used to hack the foreign power systems; he warns that the U.S. has no special immunity. "There's nothing magical about a system being in the U.S.," he says. "The same vulnerabilities are everywhere."