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SALT LAKE CITY -- National security officials say cyber spies have infiltrated our country's electric grids, leaving behind software that could shut off electricity.
There's no evidence they've tried to do anything yet, and the threat is nothing new to Rocky Mountain Power.
Related:
AP source: Spies compromised US electric grid
Spies hacked into the U.S. electric grid and left behind computer programs that would let them disrupt service, The Associated Press has learned.The company says when computers run the power system, computer security has to be a top priority. Rocky Mountain Power believes it has the appropriate security measures in place, including a computer security training program that all employees are required to complete.
Company spokesman David Eskelsen said, "We have a continual program to update and improve and audit, that is to test our security measures to make sure that they're working."
The national report released Wednesday claims the goal of spies from Russia, China, and other countries is to gain control of the system then try to cause failure during a crisis or war. National security officials have confirmed they've found software tools left behind that could be used to disrupt the system.
A former security official says the cyber attacks don't seem to be targeting any one company or location on the grid.
Eskelsen says each utility company has its own security systems in place, and they're required to follow certain guidelines. In July the National Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) will audit each company's system.
A review of the nation's computer network security asked for by President Obama is expected to be completed next week.
E-mail: corton@ksl.com
