21 January 2008, 07:40

CIA reports cyber attacks on energy providers

According to information provided by the CIA, the computer systems of several energy companies have been penetrated by extortionists. CIA cyber-security expert Tom Donahue reported attacks on energy providers in "multiple regions" outside the USA, all of which had been carried out over the internet. In at least one case this resulted in power cuts in a number in cities.

At a trade conference in News Orleans, Donahue said the attackers had not been identified. He did not disclose any further details to the government and corporate security experts present at the event. That the CIA has chosen to go public with the extortion allegations is exceptional. Therefore, according to a recent Washington Times report, it is being seen as a warning to energy providers to tighten up their security.

The US energy regulatory agency, FERC, released eight new mandatory security standards, intended to protect the US electricity supply system from cyber attacks, on Thursday. (Thomas Pany/tp) /

(mba)

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