U.S. Warns That Hackers Are Trying to Disrupt Energy Sector Technology
- Bulletin says some Schneider Electric, Omron devices at risk
- Cybersecurity firm calls new malware ‘highly capable’
The Biden administration is warning that hackers are attempting to access and disrupt industrial control systems, using custom-built malicious software to target organizations in the energy sector.
A bulletin released Wednesday by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the National Security Agency, the Department of Homeland Security and the Energy Department said so-called advanced persistent threat actors, a phrase often used to describe state-backed hackers, are able to breach industrial networks and then exploit weaknesses in devices that control those facilities. The government specifically warned about devices made by companies such as Omron Corp. and Schneider Electric, a major manufacturer of industrial control equipment, including electric utilities.