Stuxnet facts for kids
Stuxnet is a special kind of computer virus called a computer worm. It was made to secretly damage Iran's nuclear program. It caused problems that looked like accidents. Stuxnet was first created in 2006. It became widely known in 2010 when a mistake in its code caused it to spread to computers around the world.
Both the United States and Israel have been said to create Stuxnet. In 2012, the US confirmed that it worked with Israel to develop this computer worm.
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What is Stuxnet and How Does It Work?
Stuxnet is a cyber weapon. It targets special computers called PLCs. PLCs are like the brains that control machines in factories. They are used on assembly lines, in amusement rides, and even in machines that separate nuclear material.
Stuxnet works by first infecting computers that use the Microsoft Windows operating system. Then, it searches for a specific software called Siemens Step7. This software is used to control PLCs.
Targeting Nuclear Facilities
Stuxnet was designed to find and attack PLCs in Iranian nuclear facilities. It gathered information about their industrial systems. It also made fast-spinning machines, called centrifuges, break apart. Reports say Stuxnet ruined almost one-fifth of Iran's nuclear centrifuges.
How Stuxnet Spreads
Stuxnet usually gets into a computer system through an infected USB flash drive. Once inside, the worm spreads across the computer network. It looks for computers that control PLCs using the Siemens Step7 software. If Stuxnet does not find its specific target, it becomes inactive inside the computer.
Why Stuxnet Is Unique
Stuxnet is special for several reasons:
- It used hidden flaws in the Microsoft Windows operating system. These flaws were not known to many people at the time.
- It used stolen digital signatures. This helped it install harmful software without being easily detected.
- The people who created Stuxnet knew a lot about the WinCC system. This system monitors and controls industrial processes using Simatic S7 controllers.
- It used another hidden program to infect computers. This program could damage the software that controls industrial machines.
Even though it was very advanced, Stuxnet only infected a small number of PLCs. It was made to infect a very specific type of PLC with certain parts. For regular computers, it would infect any computer running the right software.
Images for kids
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Anti-aircraft guns guarding Natanz Nuclear Facility
See also
In Spanish: Stuxnet para niños
