MadIoT PoC Attacks Leverage IoT Devices to Take Out Power Grids
The attacks could bypass critical infrastructure and target power grids through IoT botnets.
Cyber-criminals may soon be able to target entire power grids without using Stuxnet like malware to infiltrate critical infrastructure.
Princeton University researchers developed a series of proof-of-concept attacks which would allow threat actors to target power grids using IoT botnets comprised of high wattage devices such as air conditioners and heaters, according to the BlackIoT: IoT Botnet of High Wattage Devices Can Disrupt the Power Grid report.
Dubbed manipulation of demand via IoT (MadIoT) attacks, researchers developed attacks which could cause sudden generation tripping, disrupt grid re-starts, line failures and cascades, and increase demand from the systems, all of which could result in outages or even blackouts.
Threat actors could, for example, simultaneously turn on or off several high-wattage IoT devices which can result in frequency instability resulting in an imbalance between the supply and demand.
Cyber-criminals could even use these attacks to increase operating costs of a target by manipulating energy consumption to benefit certain energy providers.
To defend against such attacks, researchers recommend grid operators prepare for such attacks by ensuring their systems can handle the drastic load changes these attacks could bring and that IoT device manufactures do more to prevent potential compromises and conduct more research on IoT vulnerabilities.
Source: scmagazineuk
Latest Jobs
-
- Identity Channel Partner Manager | London
- London
- N/A
-
Identity Channel Partner Manager | London Location: South East UK (commutable to London) We are working with a Cyber Security business who are looking for a Channel Partner Manager to drive and grow relationships across their identity ecosystem. Prior experience working within VARs, distributors, vendors or resellers in the identity space is essential. You must have experience working with technologies such as CyberArk, Sailpoint, Okta etc Responsibilities will include, but not be limited to: Build, maintain and develop strong relationships with channel partners. Work closely with partner sales teams to support growth drive sales opportunities. Identify and onboard new partners while strengthening existing partnerships. Act as the key point of contact for all channel-related activity. If you are an experienced channel professional, with experience in the Identity space and are ready for your next challenge, apply today.
-
- Microsoft Security Operations Analyst | Bracknell | SC Clearable | SC-200
- Reading
- N/A
-
Senior SOC Analyst Level 2 / 3. Microsoft Security stack | SC Clearable Location: Hybrid remote | Berkshire SC-200 Senior SOC Analyst Level 2 / 3 to join a specialist Managed Security Services business. You will be responsible for advanced threat hunting / triage, incident response etc with a strong focus on the Microsoft Security Stack. Key Responsibilities: Lead and resolve complex security incidents / escalations Conduct advanced threat hunting using the Microsoft Security Stack. Build, optimise and maintain workbooks, rules, analytics etc. Correlate data across Microsoft 365 Defender, Azure Defender and Sentinel. Perform root cause analysis and post-incident reporting. Aid in mentoring and upskilling Level 1 and 2 SOC analysts. Required Skills & Experience: The ability to achieve UK Security Clearance (SC) - existing clearance ideal. (Sorry no visa applications) Must have current experience working with a SOC environment Key experience must also include, but not be limited to Development and tuning of custom analytic rules. Workbook creation and dashboarding. Automation using Playbooks and SOAR integration. Kusto Query Language (KQL).