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Fortunately, the attack was stopped in time, and the dangerous levels of chemicals did not have time to get into the water.
An unknown hacker gained unauthorized access to the computer system of a water treatment plant in the city of Oldsmar (Florida, USA) and changed the levels of chemicals to dangerous parameters.
According to local authorities, the attack took place on Friday, February 5, when a hacker managed to gain access to a computer system for remote control of water treatment processes. First, the attacker briefly gained access to the computer at 8 am, and then again at 13: 30 and was in the system for five minutes until it was detected by the operator.
The operator, whose duties include managing the system for remote monitoring of water treatment processes, saw the attacker move the mouse cursor on the screen.
"Sodium hydroxide, or simply alkali, is the main component of liquid drain cleaners. In water treatment plants, it is also used to control the acidity of water and remove metals from drinking water. The hacker changed the level of sodium hydroxide from 100 particles per million to 1100 particles per million. This is obviously a very large and dangerous increase in the level, " said Oldsmar Sheriff Bob Gualtieri (Bob Gualtieri).
According to the sheriff, fortunately, the attack was detected in time and the increased amount of sodium hydroxide did not have time to get into the water. As soon as the hacker changed the levels, he was disconnected from the system, and the operator returned all the changed parameters back.
The authorities of Oldsmar did not say who was behind the attack and what goals it was pursuing. However, it is worth noting that the time for its implementation could not have been chosen by chance. Oldsmar is located near Tampa, where on Sunday, February 7, the Super Bowl was held – the final game for the title of champion of the National Football League of the United States.
An unknown hacker gained unauthorized access to the computer system of a water treatment plant in the city of Oldsmar (Florida, USA) and changed the levels of chemicals to dangerous parameters.
According to local authorities, the attack took place on Friday, February 5, when a hacker managed to gain access to a computer system for remote control of water treatment processes. First, the attacker briefly gained access to the computer at 8 am, and then again at 13: 30 and was in the system for five minutes until it was detected by the operator.
The operator, whose duties include managing the system for remote monitoring of water treatment processes, saw the attacker move the mouse cursor on the screen.
"Sodium hydroxide, or simply alkali, is the main component of liquid drain cleaners. In water treatment plants, it is also used to control the acidity of water and remove metals from drinking water. The hacker changed the level of sodium hydroxide from 100 particles per million to 1100 particles per million. This is obviously a very large and dangerous increase in the level, " said Oldsmar Sheriff Bob Gualtieri (Bob Gualtieri).
According to the sheriff, fortunately, the attack was detected in time and the increased amount of sodium hydroxide did not have time to get into the water. As soon as the hacker changed the levels, he was disconnected from the system, and the operator returned all the changed parameters back.
The authorities of Oldsmar did not say who was behind the attack and what goals it was pursuing. However, it is worth noting that the time for its implementation could not have been chosen by chance. Oldsmar is located near Tampa, where on Sunday, February 7, the Super Bowl was held – the final game for the title of champion of the National Football League of the United States.