Read and answers-1 - Coursework Example

Stuxnet Question When the Stuxnet computer worm is introduced to a computer, it causes massive damage as it affects the Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC). There have been several attempts at cyber warfare such as Flame. Stuxnet is, however, historic because it is the first malware to affect the industrial systems successfully. It was created by Olympic Games, a joint United States and Israel code.Question 2Apart from affecting the industrial systems, Stuxnet also targets to weaken the military and civilian capabilities of developed countries such as USA.

In the United States, health care, telecommunications and air traffic controls have been affected by cyber warfare. Stuxnet can also be attributed to the destruction of a fifth of Iran’s nuclear centrifuges (Loudon, 2). Stuxnet is feared because when it attacks the industrial system of a company, it takes control of the critical operations such as alarms, pumps and motors. It can lead to nuclear malfunction and even explosions. In most cases of a malware attack, industries collapse and the security details of a country compromised.

Question 3For Stuxnet to be effective, a person is needed to help spread the malware to the targeted computer. An infected USB flash drive is introduced to the computer. Once the malware is in the computer system, it scans for Siemens Step7 software that controls the PLC. The presence of a person with the motive to spread the malware is, therefore, necessary.Question 4Neither Iran nor American spectators view Stuxnet as an act of war. If it were to be considered an act of war, one of the countries would be immune to the effects of Stuxnet.

Instead, various countries have been significantly affected and are at risk of more attacks. Even if the powerful nations have the ability to launch the attack, they do not have the ability to protect themselves from any malware that affects their system. Works CitedLoudon. C.K., and Laudon. P. J. Management Information Systems 13e. London: Pearson, 2013. Print.