The Stuxnet Computer Worm: Harbinger of an Emerging Warfare Capability

Kerr, Paul K. ; Rollins, John ; Theohary, Catherine A.

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service.

关键词: Technology;    Computer crimes;    Computer viruses;    Computer software;    Energy;   

RP-ID  :  R41524
RP-ID  :  R41524_2010Dec09

美国|英语

来源: UNT Digital Library

【 摘 要 】

In September 2010, media reports emerged about a new form of cyber attack that appeared to target Iran, although the actual target, if any, is unknown. This report discusses this cyber attack, a malicious software program known as Stuxnet, which infected computer systems that were used to control the functioning of a nuclear power plant. Once inside the system, Stuxnet had the ability to degrade or destroy the software on which it operated. Although early reports focused on the impact on facilities in Iran, researchers discovered that the program had spread throughout multiple countries worldwide.