{"id":55888,"date":"2017-01-03T19:15:03","date_gmt":"2017-01-03T19:15:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.pcmatic.com\/blog\/?p=55888"},"modified":"2017-01-03T19:15:03","modified_gmt":"2017-01-03T19:15:03","slug":"utility-company-finds-russian-malware","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.pcmatic.com\/blog\/utility-company-finds-russian-malware\/","title":{"rendered":"Vermont Utility Company Finds Russian Malware on Systems"},"content":{"rendered":"

Russians Attacking US Electric Grid?<\/h4>\n

Malware found on a Burlington Electric Company laptop matches the malware variant used in the Democratic National Convention (DNC)\u00a0attack in 2016.\u00a0 The DNC has made reports the malware they found\u00a0was created by Russian hackers.\u00a0 If that is the case, these same hackers got into a utility company in Vermont.\u00a0 But why?<\/p>\n

Initial concerns were for the security of the electric grid, which contributes to our economy, health and safety.\u00a0 According to Local 10 News<\/a>, this was not an attack on the electric grid.\u00a0 The laptop infected was not connected to the grid in anyway.\u00a0 Also, the utility company serves a relatively small population.\u00a0 If Russia were to attack our electric grid, one would presume it would be done in an area that is densely populated.<\/p>\n

Perhaps this was simply a test, to see if they could breach the system?\u00a0 Or maybe their thought was to start small, then work toward the bigger target?\u00a0 We can’t really be certain.\u00a0 But one thing is for sure.\u00a0 This should be used as a warning.\u00a0 Our nation’s cyber security needs to be increased to mitigate the risks of cyber criminals taking down not only our electric grid, but our businesses and government as well.<\/p>\n

We have been warned.\u00a0 But what are we going to do next?<\/p>\n

Be Proactive<\/h4>\n

Malware, or malicious software, can be prevented from infecting PCs if the proper steps are taken.<\/p>\n