WASHINGTON, DC - The water treatment plant near Springfield, Illinois could be the target of cyber attacks against critical infrastructure first malware United States. The attack was attributed to a team in Russia.There have been many computer attacks on foreign-based U.S. companies. What makes this alleged cyber attack different is that hackers have caused physical damage to U.S. infrastructure.
"There can not be violated. It can get into the system," said Don Craven, Attorney General Curran-Gardner Water District in Illinois.
The FBI and the Department of Homeland Security is investigating whether hackers were able to burn a water pump at the facility, on November 8.
"There was evidence that there was a violation of any kind of software - Scata this system - which provides remote access to wells and pumps and such things," said Craven.
The man who blew the lid on everything, Joe Weiss, a security expert of the first floor. He says he learned the report, Illinois Statewide Terrorism and Intelligence Center.
"The thing that comes to me is that someone can use this test," said Weiss. "Why else are gone, when these very small, rural areas?"
The Department of Homeland Security to enhance the pump was damaged. But DHS spokesman said: "" At the moment there are no reliable data to support that indicates a potential for critical infrastructure entities, or a threat to public safety. "
Weiss does not believe.
"It is totally and completely contrary to what is in the report," said Weiss.
Weiss believes that federal officials are minimizing the alleged hack and says he does not understand why, especially now that the consequences could spread throughout the country.
"The systems that are used in Illinois are exactly the same systems used for DC," said Weiss. "Cyber Attack, Illinois, started 2-3 months ago. Like many of the other systems could be compromised, we do not know yet?"
A spokesman for the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC) has declined to comment. But the Washington Aqueduct General Manager Thomas Jacobus, said his plant will be safe from this kind of cyber-attacks.
"We decided a decade ago when we created our control, we would not search remote access for control of these facilities," said Jacobus.
The Washington Aqueduct provides water to Arlington, Falls Church, and the District.
"Our systems do not sit on the Internet. They are operated from inside," said James.
But Weiss thinks that even a fortified plant is not immune to attacks.
"You need not be in line to be vulnerable. This is what people really do not understand," said Weiss. "Hackers could use microwave, radio, whatever. These are all vulnerable
