Sign in. It’s quick, free and it’s up to you.
An account is an optional way to support the work we do. Find out more.
An Iranian flag flutters in front of the reactor building of the Bushehr nuclear power plant, AP Photo/Vahid Salemi
Nuclear Power
Computer worm could infect Iranian nuclear power plants
Bushehr nuclear reactor could be at risk as Stuxnet worm ravages internal systems in Iranian plants.
A SOPHISTICATED COMPUTER worm has infected dozens of industrial sites throughout Iran and could take over power plants, prompting Iran’s nuclear agency to meet this week to discuss the plan of action against the worm.
The worm, called Stuxnet, has been found in Germany, the US, Indonesia and India as well as Iran since its discovery in July. It takes over the systems which control the inner functions of machinery in industrial plants.
Iranian media have reported that the worm has affected several sites nationwide but did not name specific sites. Speculation has grown that the recently-constructed Bushehr nuclear reactor is vulnerable.
The state television station, Press TV, reports that ‘experts’ say that Stuxnet could be the work of the USA or Israel in a bid to damage Iran’s controversial nuclear programme.
have your say