Hackers found major software flaw, key infrastructure on risk

Madan: An Austin based security researcher demonstrated how a software flaw, used to control oil refineries, power plants and other critical structures, can be hacked by terrorist groups or criminals. The software is used to manage supervisory control and data acquisition, or SCADA, systems - computers that regulate the functioning of such important infrastructure as oil and gas pipelines, water treatment and power transmission facilities and the giant factories used by large technology companies. Attendees at Defacon hackers conference on computer security were surprised as well anxious about vulnerabilities in infrastructures which affect our day-to-day life such as SCADA system. The flaw can pose major problems, as it is capable of crushing SCADA computer systems, which carry mostly lightweight software, making it easy for intruders to cheat by sending a false request. The main targets of attack are sensors within the facilities, linked to internet through encrypted connecti...