Date: December 9, 2010 Creator: Kerr, Paul K. Description: In
September 2010, media reports emerged about a new form of cyber
attack that appeared to target Iran, although the actual target,
if any, is unknown. This report discusses this cyber attack, a
malicious software program known as Stuxnet, which infected
computer systems that were used to control the functioning of a
nuclear power plant. Once inside the system, Stuxnet had the
ability to degrade or destroy the software on which it operated.
Although early reports focused on the impact on facilities in
Iran, researchers discovered that the program had spread
throughout multiple countries worldwide. Contributing Partner:
UNT Libraries Government Documents Department