Cyber warfare fears raised by Stuxnet virus
Stuxnet, a computer program currently wreaking havoc with the Iranian's nuclear programme, may be regarded as a welcome spanner in the works of Iran's weapons programme. But fears persist that the genie is now out of the bottle on an arms race in malicious software attacks.
These fears have gained traction following an eye (and balloon) popping presentation by an Irish computing expert. Using nothing more technical than an air pump and balloon Lima O Murchu was able to demonstrate that the Stuxnet virus was able to override the systems shut off causing the balloon to pop.
Of course if the virus can do this to a balloon the fear is just what it might do to a nuclear power station?
The worst affected country currently is Iran which has reported the bulk of infections, particularly at the Bushehr nuclear power station and its uranium enrichment programme.
Some believe that only a nation state could employ the resources necessary to develop a virus of Stuxnet's capabilities, with Israel and even China in the frame for having unleashed it.
Whoever let the genie out of the bottle however ought be prepared to reap what they sow, as O'Murchu has shown the aims of Stuxnet may be murky but its impact could be stark.