Computer hackers target power plants; US creating teams to help industry prepare, respond

Computer hackers look to take over power plants

WASHINGTON — U.S. officials say computer hackers are targeting power plants and other critical infrastructure around the world in bold new efforts to seize control of operations.

For the first time, cyber experts have discovered a malicious computer code that was specifically created to take over systems that control the inner workings of industrial plants.

As much as 85 percent of the nation’s critical infrastructure is owned and operated by private companies, ranging from nuclear and electric power plants to transportation and manufacturing systems.

The Department of Homeland Security is creating new specialized teams to confront the threat.