Russian cyber operatives have been busy probing U.S. power grid vulnerabilities, according to an extensive report by the WSJ.
The WSJ reports that hackers used several methods to infiltrate the grid, including planting malware on sites of online publications frequently read by utility engineers to gain access to their computers. Russian cyber operatives pretending to be job seekers sent out fake résumés with tainted attachments. Once they had computer-network credentials, they slipped through hidden portals used by utility technicians, in some cases getting into computer systems that monitor and control electricity flows.
Some experts believe two dozen or more utilities were breached.
The full WSJ article (behind paywall) can be accessed here.
Cyber Security risks to our electric grid are very real, and thanks to the WSJ for shining the light on the problem.