Oil platforms in Houston, TX and Gulf of Mexico hit by malware attack

Summary:

In 2013, oil platforms in Houston, TX and Gulf of Mexico got hit by a malware attack. The malware seems to be originating from pirated videos and music that has been downloaded through the satellite connections used by the rigs, as well as pirated material that were already existing on the workers' computers. The malware disabled operating systems and computers on several oil rigs. Due to this malware, one rig incapacitated from the communication and Navigation System. After that, she lost manoeuvrability skills and started to drift due to the crippleness of thrusters resulting in environmental damage and delay of operations. Many of these malware attacks could have been prevented with anti-virus systems and updated system software. However, it seems that many of the infected oil rigs opted against investing into cyber-security systems, which is why an outbreak of malware like this was able to occur. The infected oil rigs are going to take cyber threats seriously in the future in order to prevent an incident like this from occurring in the future.

Reference URL

https://www.slashgear.com/offshore-oil-rigs-suffer-from-malware-attacks-24271125 https://www.aiche.org/chenected/2013/03/malware-infects-gulf-mexico-offshore-rigs
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https://isssource.com/malware-on-oil-rigs/
https://www.houstonchronicle.com/business/energy/article/Malware-on-oil-rig-computers-raises-security-fears-4301773.php