Cybercriminals have long used malware to destroy computer users' machines or steal their identity. The recently identified Stuxnet worm has higher aspirations, though. According to a recent PC Magazine report, the malware is aimed to shut down an Iranian nuclear reactor.
The Stuxnet virus was first identified earlier this summer. It attracted attention because of how unusual it is – it targets Supervisory Control and Acquisitions systems, which are generally only used by older management facilities.
Most countries have more advanced systems, so the malware was a small threat. However, the virus proliferated itself in Iran, where there are many facilities vulnerable to this Stuxnet malware. After analyzing the worm, researcher Ralph Langner claims the complex virus could have been developed as a cyber weapon, used to target and shut down Iran's Bushehr reactor.
As PC Magazine notes, if Langner's accusations are true, this would be the first time that malware has been used to attack a country. Most viruses, such as the onMouseOver Twitter exploit that FOX recently reported on, just direct victims to obscene websites or slow down their systems.
Well, at least these hackers are targeting Iran. Good for them!! lol
This is frightening stuff yikes. What if they targeted a nuclear plant in America?
@Freddy: I think that’s the whole point of the post. Nuclear power is very vunerable in this county and europe. If a hacker got in, he could blackmail the goverment for billions.