This forum is hosted for free by Boardhost. Create your own free forum!
1 of 1- Goose
- Cogito ergo sum
Offline 
- Registered: 1/29/2015
- Posts: 13,427
Vermont utility finds alleged Russian malware on computer
Vermont utility finds alleged Russian malware on computer
(CNN)A Vermont electric company said Friday it had found on a company laptop the same kind of malicious software that US authorities believe was used by Russian hackers in an attempt to influence November's election.
Burlington Electric said it found the code after utility companies nationwide were sent an alert by the Department of Homeland Security.
The company, which serves 19,600 customers in Vermont, said the malware was on a laptop that is not connected to the organization's power grid systems.
"Our team is working with federal officials to trace this malware and prevent any other attempts to infiltrate utility systems," spokesman Mike Kanarick said.
The federal government refers to the malicious cyber activity as Grizzly Steppe.
The Washington Post first reported the existence of the malicious software.
Gov. Shumlin calls Putin a "thug"
Vermont Gov. Peter Shumlin didn't hold back in a scathing message issued Friday that linked Russia's President Vladimir Putin to the cyber threat.
"Vermonters and all Americans should be both alarmed and outraged that one of the world's leading thugs, Vladimir Putin, has been attempting to hack our electric grid, which we rely upon to support our quality-of-life, economy, health, and safety," said Shumlin in a written statement.
Shumlin, a Democrat, called on the federal government to investigate and take action to prevent future attacks.
"This episode should highlight the urgent need for our federal government to vigorously pursue and put an end to this sort of Russian meddling," said Shumlin.
US Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vermont, said he and his staff were briefed on Friday by Vermont state police about the development, which he called a "direct threat to Vermont."
"State-sponsored Russian hacking is a serious threat, and the attempts to penetrate the electric grid through a Vermont utility are the latest example," Leahy said.
"This is beyond hackers having electronic joyrides -- this is now about trying to access utilities to potentially manipulate the grid and shut it down in the middle of winter."
We live in a time in which decent and otherwise sensible people are surrendering too easily to the hectoring of morons or extremists.
- flowergirl
- Exchanger
Offline
- Registered: 2/03/2015
- Posts: 1,840
Re: Vermont utility finds alleged Russian malware on computer
One of my biggest fears is not being blown to bits by a self-made bomber but that the U. S. power transmission interconnections be bombed. It seems like an easy thing to accomplish given the seclusion yet readily accessibility of many of the towers that crisscross the U. S.
- Common Sense
- Exchanger
Offline
- Registered: 2/16/2015
- Posts: 3,258
Re: Vermont utility finds alleged Russian malware on computer
David Burge @iowahawkblog Dec 29 Russia invades Crimea: oh well Russia shoots down airliner: mistakes happen John Podesta falls for phishing scam: RESTART THE COLD WAR
“We hold these truths to be self-evident,” former vice president Biden said during a campaign event in Texas on Monday. "All men and women created by — you know, you know, the thing.”
- Common Sense
- Exchanger
Offline
- Registered: 2/16/2015
- Posts: 3,258
Re: Vermont utility finds alleged Russian malware on computer
Based on his knowledge, Recchia said Friday night he did not believe the electrical power grid was at risk from the incident. "The grid is not in danger," Recchia said. "The utility flagged it, saw it, notified appropriate parties and isolated that one laptop with that malware on it."
Statement from Burlington Electric Department: "Last night, U.S. utilities were alerted by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) of a malware code used in Grizzly Steppe, the name DHS has applied to a Russian campaign linked to recent hacks," said Mike Kanarick, spokesman for Burlington Electric Department. "We acted quickly to scan all computers in our system for the malware signature. We detected the malware in a single Burlington Electric Department laptop not connected to our organization’s grid systems. We took immediate action to isolate the laptop and alerted federal officials of this finding. Our team is working with federal officials to trace this malware and prevent any other attempts to infiltrate utility systems. We have briefed state officials and will support the investigation fully."
Last edited by Common Sense (12/31/2016 2:40 pm)
“We hold these truths to be self-evident,” former vice president Biden said during a campaign event in Texas on Monday. "All men and women created by — you know, you know, the thing.”
- Goose
- Cogito ergo sum
Offline
- Registered: 1/29/2015
- Posts: 13,427
Re: Vermont utility finds alleged Russian malware on computer
Yea, the initial article stated that the computer wasn't attached to the grid.
Thanks for restating was was stated.
I guess we will just assume that this is the only computer in the country with Russian malware on it.
Brilliant
We live in a time in which decent and otherwise sensible people are surrendering too easily to the hectoring of morons or extremists.
- •
Thread Starter- Goose
- Cogito ergo sum
Offline
- Registered: 1/29/2015
- Posts: 13,427
Re: Vermont utility finds alleged Russian malware on computer
Common Sense wrote:
David Burge @iowahawkblog Dec 29 Russia invades Crimea: oh well Russia shoots down airliner: mistakes happen John Podesta falls for phishing scam: RESTART THE COLD WAR
I don't even know what this means.
#Wordsalad
We live in a time in which decent and otherwise sensible people are surrendering too easily to the hectoring of morons or extremists.
- •
Thread Starter