Hack attack! Power plants target of Stuxnet-style malware. Is it unstoppable?

By Jesse Berst

Security Daily News is reporting the discovery of a new Stuxnet-style worm intended to disrupt power plants and oil refineries. They believe this new backdoor was created by the same parties that created Stuxnet.

Called Duqu, this new malware gathers information (such as design documents) that would make it easier to mount a future attack. Even worse, reports Computerworld, security firm Symantec has been unable to figure out how to stop its propagation.

The one bright note: Experts speculate that the malware was originally authored by U.S. and Israeli intelligence services to use against Iran. We can hope, therefore, that they will not turn it against North American utilities.

Jesse Berst is the founder and chief analyst of Smart Grid News.com. He consults to smart grid companies seeking market entry advice and M&A advisory. A frequent keynoter at industry events in the US and abroad, he also serves on the Advisory Council of Pacific Northwest National Laboratory's Energy & Environment directorate.