Learn about the story of Stuxnet. Explain why this is different than anything that came before it. Speculate about whether it was a wise or unwise move to utilize such a tool, and explain why.
Here are some starter links but you are certainly encouraged to find your own information and bring it back to the group and share.
If you have cable TV you may see a documentary called Zero Days (2016), or find pieces of it on Youtube. If you have time, there is a very interesting explanation there from some people who are the cutting edge when we talk about Homeland Security.
Stuxnet according to Norton Antivirus
Stuxnet has a big brother called Nitro Zeus
PLEASE REPLY TO MY CLASSMATE RESPONSE TO THE ABOVE QUESTIONS AND EXPLAIN WHY YOU AGREE? (A MINIMUM OF 15o WORDS)
CLASSMATE’S POST
The Stuxnet development was different than any previously created virus or worm malware because it is not spread via the internet, rather it is primarily spread to a computer control system via a USB stick. Stuxnet primarily impacts and infiltrates Windows computers, but interestingly enough, does no actual damage to the Windows system itself. Stuxnet looks for a specific "Programmable Logic Controller", an operating system made by Siemens that controls engineering functions and different automated processes in industrial facilities, chemical plants, and nuclear power stations (forbes.com).
I found Stuxnet to be particularly interesting because of the manner in which it is spread and the fact that, if two Stuxnet viruses find each other on an operating system, they evaluate each other to ensure they are both running the most up to date software and if not, update so that they are. Its believed that Stuxnet has infected well over 50,000 Windows operating computers, and based on the specific functionality, it does appear that the virus targets a specific PLC system and that the creators of Stuxnet were fully aware of what they were after when creating it. The highlight of the discovery of Stuxnet was it's use to infect the operating systems of the Iranian Nuclear power plant Bushehr. It is highly speculated that either the United States or Israel was behind the creation and deployment of Stuxnet on the Iranian plant in order to disrupt their actions and nuclear program.
I find Stuxnet to be an extremely useful cyber tool when used appropriately, especially in defense applications. The utilization of such technology by governments in order to shut down rogue or enemy operations, specifically of potential terrorist operations could be substantially useful.
Reference:
Schneier, B. (2012, July 11). The Story Behind The Stuxnet Virus. Retrieved from https://www.forbes.com/2010/10/06/iran-nuclear-computer-technology-security-stuxnet-worm.html#2f3de66d51e8
