Stuxnet

Stuxnet is an unusually large (around 500 KB) and complex malicious software (malware) first discovered by the Belarusian security company VirusBlokAda in June, 2010. It was shared with other security companies for analysis, which took several months. It became evident that Stuxnet had been created with great investment for a specific target, which raised suspicions that a nation-state was responsible.

Stuxnet was unique to the extent that it contained multiple zero-day exploits and unusual stealth techniques. Analysis of the payload found that Stuxnet was intended to sabotage a specific type of programmable logic controller (PLC) configured with specific frequency converter drives. Considering that most Stuxnet infections were found in Iran, and the industrial plants there might be vulnerable to the payload, there is a wide belief ...