Remember Stuxnet? Back in 2010, a new bit of malware attacked multiple systems required to access and control industrial equipment being used in Iran’s nuclear program. Details of this malware remain fuzzy, but, as a recent story from the MIT Technology Review reports, Stuxnet is widely believed to be the work of the United States and Israeli governments. That makes Stuxnet particularly important: As the Technology Review story says, Stuxnet is one of the most visible signs of a new form of warfare: government-controlled malware created to attack the computers and security systems of other countries. And, like it or not, it appears that the United States is at the forefront of this phenomenon.
A growing industry
What is the long-term impact of these malware weapons? The Technology Review story worries that governments, by investing a great deal of research and dollars into creating these virtual weapons, is generating an ever-more hazardous Internet. And yes it appears these fears are justified. Since Stuxnet was exposed in 2010, it’s clear that governments have spent a lot more money producing malware weapons. No one knows, in fact, how frequently such weapons have already been deployed. It’s almost certain that a number of these weapons have already been unleashed without the public’s knowledge.
Smartphones are not safe, either
As people move more firmly toward mobile devices such as tablets and smartphones, so may be the makers of malware weapons. The Technology Review story states that exploits targeting mobile operating systems are especially valuable because mobile systems are updated so rarely. As the report highlights, Apple only sends updates to its iPhone software a few times every year. That leaves the system vulnerable to government that would love to surreptitiously install malware such as spyware on the mobile phones of terrorism suspects.
An age-old threat?
The Technology Review story ends on a somber note. Perhaps, it suggests, these malware weapons are not so extraordinary. Countries around the world routinely create new weapons. Malware exploits might be the latest version of an arms race. Unfortunately, consumers could be caught in the crossfire of a Web that’s suddenly become infinitely more dangerous.