US Nuclear Systems, Infrastructure Under Cyber-Attack

America’s power, water, and nuclear systems are increasingly being targeted by cybercriminals seeking to gain access to some of the nation’s most critical infrastructure.
The number of attacks reported to a US Department of Homeland Security cyber-security response team grew by 52% in 2012, according to a recent report from the team. There were 198 attacks brought to the agency’s attention last year, several of which resulted in successful break-ins.
The energy sector was the most-targeted field, with 82 attacks, and the water industry reported 29 attacks last year. Chemical plants faced seven cyber-attacks, and nuclear companies reported six.
According to the source, many companies choose not to report incidents, and the majority of cyber-attacks go undiscovered, according to industry researchers.
DHS warned that the nation’s infrastructure is worryingly vulnerable.
The Obama administration and many in Congress have been more vocal about how an “enemy nation” or a terrorist cell could target the country’s critical infrastructure in a cyber-attack. Legislation aimed at preventing such attacks stalled in Congress last year.

In its report, the Department of Homeland Security advised critical infrastructure companies to keep devices linked to their control systems offline, put stronger passwords in place and implement better security protocols.