What the Tech? Cyber-terrorism and small towns
The Department of Homeland Security is investigating who's behind the take-over of the water system in a small Florida town.
Authorities say the hackers tried to poison the water in Oldsmar, Florida, just outside of Tampa.
This alleged attack happened at a relatively small water system that served about 15,000 people. If it had been successful, authorities say it would have poisoned the whole town.
A cyber-terrorism expert warns hackers attacking a small town presents a clear and present danger.
"Sometimes these hackers don't necessarily do it to a large group of people, but rather a small group. Because the effect in certain ways is the same. You create terror and you're sending a message," said Adam Levin, founder of CyberScout.
He says small cities are an easier target for hackers from Russia, China, and other countries that would like to attack the U.S.
"Many of these facilities rely on legacy software, legacy hardware. So many of them are outdated and need to be radically updated. Many don't train their people as they should," Levin said.
It isn't the first time hackers targeted infrastructure in a small town. Eight years ago, a hacker group in Iran claimed responsibility for remotely taking control of a dam in upstate New York. And there are likely other attacks we don't know about.
"Instances like this are going to wake people up, especially in smaller towns. Rural America is not immune from cyber-attacks. I think sometimes attacks like this is sending a message that you are safe nowhere," Levin said.
Although it hasn't been proven in the Florida case, Levin says hackers are using the pandemic and people working from home.
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