Stuxnet Revisited !!

Stuxnet

So yesterday I had to cut my weekend short (well it was Friday night) PLC'S were going down at a client for no apparent reason

a worm was suspected. The IT Team could not account for the vast increase in failing units on the production line.

Rushed up to lend support and advice !!!

No WORM !!!

The PLC's were old and overheating (previously i had advised to replace them with newer units)

Planned maintenance was running behind according to the records of the contractor a lot of units had be charged as refurbished but no apparent work had been done . IT Systems were all in order it was the fact that maintenance had not been carried out but had been charged for !

Today a new maintenance team was contracted to implement the work again and replace all the faulty ageing plc's no worm just worn out

As the original system survey covered all the factory floor and photos and test results of equipment show no remedial work had actually been undertaken by the contracted firm in several areas.

No worm but simple human error and lack of respect for the employer who thought work was being carried out.

New guidelines and independent check backs should not be necessary but hay I did spend the night there.

1 If you commission work make sure you have schedule and sign off plan in place

2 If you comission work check its done

3 Never assume someone is checking it for you

Having a extra strong coffee and going to bed.

early start tomorrow so I can enjoy my day off !!!