Bloomberg: A computer worm called Stuxnet, which targets Siemens AG software used to control industrial equipment, may be aimed at destroying a specific plant, possibly Iran’s controversial nuclear facility, according to Ralph Langner, a German industrial controls safety expert, the Financial Times reported.
By Alan Purkiss
Sept. 24 (Bloomberg) — A computer worm called Stuxnet, which targets Siemens AG software used to control industrial equipment, may be aimed at destroying a specific plant, possibly Iran’s controversial nuclear facility, according to Ralph Langner, a German industrial controls safety expert, the Financial Times reported.
Langner was speaking at a closed conference in Maryland this week, the newspaper said.
The virus, which spreads through holes in Microsoft Corp.’s Windows operating system, is the first aimed at destroying physical installations; it’s the work of a well financed, highly organized team, probably associated with a national government, the FT said, citing security experts.
According to Symantec Corp., which has been investigating Stuxnet and plans to publish details on Sept. 29, Iran has had more infections than any other country, the newspaper said.
