A recent wave of cyber attacks against countries around the globe is forcing United States authorities to urge utility companies on U.S. soil to be on alert.<\/p>\n
In recent weeks, there have been power-grid-related cyber attacks in Ukraine<\/strong><\/a>, Ukraine again<\/strong><\/a>, and, most recently, Israel<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n And in the U.S., a report came out that Iranian hackers claimed a successful cyber attack<\/strong><\/a> on a dam in New York, further heightening concern.<\/p>\n Concern about a potential attack on U.S. utilities was heightened quite a bit after the December cyber incident in Ukraine<\/strong><\/a>. That incident knocked out power in approximately 700,000 homes and was likely the largest hacker-caused blackout ever.<\/p>\n The very recent cyber attack on Israel’s power grid was reportedly neutralized before a blackout could occur<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n According to The Hill<\/strong><\/a>, a successful cyber attack on U.S. utilities and subsequent blackout could “cost the economy hundreds of billions of dollars, raise mortality rates at hospitals and cut the nation’s water supply.”<\/p>\n Utility companies are being urged to update outdated systems and ensure that vital infrastructure is not vulnerable to potential cyber attacks.<\/p>\n US utilities warned to boost defenses after blackout in Ukraine https:\/\/t.co\/wQcdd1CTHG<\/a><\/p>\n — Utilities Local (@UtilitiesLocal) January 27, 2016<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\nConcern heightened after December attack<\/h3>\n
Trickle down effect<\/h3>\n
\n