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Security Operations · Intermediate

Stuxnet

A sophisticated worm discovered in 2010 that sabotaged Iranian uranium enrichment centrifuges by manipulating PLCs.

Definition

Stuxnet spread via USB drives and multiple zero-day vulnerabilities to reach air-gapped Siemens Step7 systems, then altered centrifuge speeds while reporting normal readings to operators. It is widely regarded as the first known cyberweapon targeting physical industrial processes and is attributed to US and Israeli intelligence.

Example

Stuxnet reprogrammed PLCs at the Natanz facility to damage centrifuges.

Exam tip

Stuxnet shows that air gaps can be crossed via removable media and is the classic ICS/OT attack example.

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