Let's separate the topics: 1. Blackout was caused by wireless and/or msblast worm & 2. Wireless is in use at generation sites
The first point, 1. Is just implausible. But I am a skeptic, so I am personally going to wait until the investigations are complete before forming a final opinion.
Point 2 is a great topic to discuss. As Frank said, wireless is another way into a system. Just as with internet-attached power systems, you would need to secure the wireless systems.
At present, I believe we have little to worry about. (I am at liberty to change that opinion with new facts, of course :) however, the time to get the energy industry concerned about the vulnerabilities is now. Internet connected systems are still sparse. That will change rapidly as interconnects and protocols mature.
W. Bush called the blackout a wake-up call. I think he really hit the mark.
On Fri, 15 Aug 2003 6:44PM -0800, Frank Keeney wrote:
I know for a fact that several utilities use WiFi in their networks. Some
for their control systems and others only for back office. Like any other
businesses, wireless has become another perimeter to be assessed and
protected.
WiFi is not the only vulnerbility. Many utilities use licensed spectrum
UHF modems for control and monitoring. AFAIK these have no encryption and
limited or no access control.
On Fri, 15 Aug 2003, Geoff Shively wrote:
Yes, I doubt that a major system was wifi enabled but I had to ask.
Why would you doubt this? Utilities use WiFi.
Frank
-- Mike Outmesguine TransStellar, Inc.
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