From: The Hill/Hillicon Valley
By Julian Hattem
Government agencies are leaving sensitive data about nuclear plants on unprotected drives, using simple passwords that are easy to crack and failing to install simple software updates and security patches, according to a new report from the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee.
The analysis from Republicans on the panel found a slew of lapses and “general sloppiness” at the federal government. That’s making it easier for hackers to take control of critical infrastructure and break into networks.
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission, the report found, “stored sensitive cybersecurity details for nuclear plants on an unprotected shared drive, making them more vulnerable to hackers and cyberthieves.”
Last year, hackers allegedly broke into the Federal Communications Commission’s Emergency Broadcast System and caused TV stations in Michigan, Montana and North Dakota to broadcast warnings about a fictional zombie attack.
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