Howdy y’all.
Over the last few weeks you may have read that nuclear power
plants have been “hacked” by nefarious operatives. I’ve got bad news for you, it’s been going on
for years, all across our critical infrastructure systems. You are likely not sure how or why this is
even possible. So today's post will shed
a little light on the subject.
Now before you go off and build that bomb shelter, lets
first understand that just because a system was hacked, that doesn’t mean the operation
or control was compromised. Most control
systems, sometimes called SCADA systems (Supervisory Control and Data Aquisition) have more than one level of authority
and control in it. So, gaining access to
first, or second layer of the system may still not grant you control ability.
In the case of the nuclear power control systems there are
multiple layers of access in the network.
There are physical constraints that protect the most sensitive systems
and controls from other parts of the network. I’m not saying that a hacker couldn’t get in
and cause chaos and maybe even equipment damage; but the likelihood of
starting a meltdown at the plant is next to impossible.
The thing is, all of our critical infrastructure systems have
been under cyber-attack for years. And
some of those attacks have been successful.
Water, wastewater, power, smart grids, even traffic control systems can
have networked design and be “hackable” in some sense of the word.
Holy Crap!! So, what do we do? Well, what we do is be diligent, alert and observant. There are some amazingly intelligent and talented folks at
the federal, state and local levels of government that help the operators of
these facilities keep an eye out for cyber intruders, and even respond when
something does happen. Also, there are
several companies state side that support those cyber security efforts both on
and off equipment used in these control systems. Some of the things those kids can do would
make your head spin off. Next there are
groups or teams if you will, that are comprised of technical experts that
deploy when an “event” happens to help get things back up and running as
quickly as possible. Finally, the
professional operators who run these systems on a daily basis notice when things
are out of the ordinary, it’s their job to make sure everything runs right at
all times.
No system will ever be perfect, you can bet on that. And given enough time and resources it’s fair
to say that state sponsored hackers will cause some interruption in public
services at some point. It’s a reality
that all of us in the critical infrastructure world understand and accept.
While I would never go into any detail into how we (the industry) would
respond, rest assured there are plans in place.
Those plans aren’t just in some binder in a safe somewhere, they are
trained on, adapted and developed as new threats emerge. There are backups at the ready for the most
urgent of systems. Most importantly the
men and women whose job it is to keep your lights on, your water flowing, and
keep you safe take their jobs seriously.
They will, and have, always found a way to hold it all together when the
unimaginable happens.
All that said, its everyone’s job to be able to help
themselves for a few days when bad things happen. Don’t let yourself or your family become a statistic during a disaster. The disaster or event
really doesn’t make much difference, the preparation is much the same for any
of them. This is the part where I tell you
to have 3-5 days of medications ready in a bag.
Have a few dollars in that bag to.
You will want a change of clothes or two. Have a flashlight and some granola bars or
MRE’s in there to. You’ll need some
water also, but its heavy so plan for a quart a day, you’ll need to ration some
but that’s the exchange for the extra weight you won’t be carrying. If you need to get up and get out, then grab
that bag and get out. Everyone in the
family should have one of their own that meets their needs.
If you’re staying in your home, then have half a gallon of
water per person at least. Keep the can
goods stocked up, and have a manual can openers handy. Remember that toilet tanks and hot water
heaters and supply sanitation water if needed.
Have plenty of candles, a few flashlights or lanterns, blankets and of
course the required medications readily accessible. Also, have some cards, board games, etc. Distractions to pass the time are not a bad
thing. Finally, if you are a pet owner, you’ll need to have some
food and water for them to.
Most importantly however, know your neighbors. Be part of your community, not just some
person who lives down at the end of the road.
There is no debating that almost anyone would help a friend before a
stranger, especially when the crap hits the fan.
Until next time.
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