Previous All Posts Next

Russian Malware Found in Vermont Utility

Posted: January 10, 2017 to Cybersecurity.

Tags: Malware, Data Breach, Cloud Security

One way investigators have of identifying the source of computer hacks is by looking at the code.  Last week, malware code connected to cyberattacks the US says were perpetrated by Russia was found in a laptop at an electric company in Vermont. The code was discovered after the Burlington Electric Department received an alert sent out by the Department of Homeland Security to raise awareness among companies dealing with American infrastructure.  A scan by the Burlington Electric Department revealed the malicious code.  Fortunately, the laptop wasn't connected to the power grid and no other malware was found in their system.  Nor was there any evidence of compromised data.  The Burlington Electric Department has nearly 20,000 customers, both commercial and residential. The code, part of the so-called Grizzly Steppe, is part of the attacks reportedly used by Russia to influence the recent presidential election.  Many lawmakers from both major political parties have condemned Russia and backed President Barack Obama's expulsion of Russian diplomats.  President-elect Donald Trump, who has said he wants to work towards better relations with Russia, has been more reserved in his criticism of the attacks. American fears over hacked infrastructure are nothing new.  US cybersecurity experts have long warned that a foreign nation could access and shut down power stations and utilities.  In fact, Russia was blamed for a hack on Ukranian utilities just over a year ago that left thousands of people with no power.

Protect Your Business Today

Petronella Technology Group has provided cybersecurity, compliance, and managed IT services from Raleigh, NC for over 23 years. Contact us today for a free consultation and technology assessment.

Need help implementing these strategies? Our cybersecurity experts can assess your environment and build a tailored plan.
Get Free Assessment
Explore Our Services
Cybersecurity AI Services Compliance HIPAA CMMC Managed IT

Related Articles

NIST CSF 2.0: What Changed, Why It Matters, and How to Update Your Cybersecurity Program [Video + Guide] NIST CSF 2.0: What Changed, Why It Matters, and How to Update Your Cybersecurity Program [Video + Guide] Incident Response Planning: Build a Cyber Incident Response Plan That Actually Works in 2026 [Video + Guide] Incident Response Planning: Build a Cyber Incident Response Plan That Actually Works in 2026 [Video + Guide] Email Security for Business: Stop Phishing, BEC, and Email-Based Attacks Before They Cost You Millions [Video + Guide] Email Security for Business: Stop Phishing, BEC, and Email-Based Attacks Before They Cost You Millions [Video + Guide] Network Segmentation Guide: How to Contain Breaches and Protect Critical Systems with Proper Network Design [Video + Guide] Network Segmentation Guide: How to Contain Breaches and Protect Critical Systems with Proper Network Design [Video + Guide]

About the Author

Craig Petronella, CEO and Founder of Petronella Technology Group
CEO, Founder & AI Architect, Petronella Technology Group

Craig Petronella founded Petronella Technology Group in 2002 and has spent more than 30 years working at the intersection of cybersecurity, AI, compliance, and digital forensics. He holds the CMMC Registered Practitioner credential (RP-1372) issued by the Cyber AB, is an NC Licensed Digital Forensics Examiner (License #604180-DFE), and completed MIT Professional Education programs in AI, Blockchain, and Cybersecurity. Craig also holds CompTIA Security+, CCNA, and Hyperledger certifications.

He is an Amazon #1 Best-Selling Author of 15+ books on cybersecurity and compliance, host of the Encrypted Ambition podcast (95+ episodes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon), and a cybersecurity keynote speaker with 200+ engagements at conferences, law firms, and corporate boardrooms. Craig serves as Contributing Editor for Cybersecurity at NC Triangle Attorney at Law Magazine and is a guest lecturer at NCCU School of Law. He has served as a digital forensics expert witness in federal and state court cases involving cybercrime, cryptocurrency fraud, SIM-swap attacks, and data breaches.

Under his leadership, Petronella Technology Group has served 2,500+ clients, maintained a zero-breach record among compliant clients, earned a BBB A+ rating every year since 2003, and been featured as a cybersecurity authority on CBS, ABC, NBC, FOX, and WRAL. The company leverages SOC 2 Type II certified platforms and specializes in AI implementation, managed cybersecurity, CMMC/HIPAA/SOC 2 compliance, and digital forensics for businesses across the United States.

CMMC-RP NC Licensed DFE MIT Certified CompTIA Security+ Expert Witness 15+ Books
Related Service
Protect Your Business with Our Cybersecurity Services

Our proprietary 39-layer ZeroHack cybersecurity stack defends your organization 24/7.

Explore Cybersecurity Services
Previous All Posts Next
Free cybersecurity consultation available Schedule Now