Stuxnet's lingering effects inspire new malware defense project

SUBNET Solutions Inc | Friday, December 21, 2012

After the computer worm Stuxnet tore through Iran's nuclear development compound, some say it set the country's nuclear ambitions back by as much as two years. Now, with forms of the worm popping up in computer systems all over the world, many operators are grappling with how to protect their SCADA systems from Stuxnet itself or a mutation of the worm.

According to Dark Reading, Stuxnet has transformed the SCADA world forever, and led many companies to develop custom anti-malware programs that can be used to protect critical infrastructure components. For example, Kongsberg Maritime, a global supplier and integrator for maritime operations, said Stuxnet has resonated with its clients.

"Our customers have always been concerned about cybersecurity, but after Stuxnet there has been a lot more focus and determination about this," said Bjornar Eilertsen, product adviser at Kongsberg Maritime.

Cybersecurity experts are still working to find a solution to stop Stuxnet from corrupting critical infrastructure. According to InformationWeek, thumb drive maker DataTraveler is now offering products that offer built-in cyber security. This could be especially important in the near future, considering malware is often introduced by an unknowing employee who uses a thumb drive on a central computer.

SUBNET, a Microsoft Gold Certified partner, takes a proactive stance to ensure all patches are delivered quickly to keep attacks at bay. 

Tags: Substation Cyber Security