Remember Stuxnet? Back in 2010, a new bit of malicious software attacked multiple systems required to access and control industrial equipment being used in Iran's nuclear program. Details of this malware remain fuzzy, but, as a recent story from the MIT Technology Review reports, Stuxnet is widely believed to be the work of the United States and Israeli governments. This makes Stuxnet notably important: As the Technology Review story says, Stuxnet is one of the most visible indications of a new type of warfare: government-controlled malware created to attack the computers and security systems of other countries. Like it or not, it appears that the United States is at the forefront of this trend.
A more dangerous Internet?
According to the Technology Review story, investigators are continually uncovering new malware that, like Stuxnet, has one goal: to act as a weapon. How many malware weapons have governments across the globe created? No one knows the answer to that. However the story does say that governments and companies, including in the United States, are paying big money to computer pros who create these malware weapons. That leaves a significant question left unanswered: Are these new malware weapons making the Internet an even more dangerous place?
A mobile attack?
Don't believe that you can avoid malware weapons by doing most of your computing on tablets, smartphones and other mobile devices. The truth is, governments are very keen on targeting these mobile devices. First, a growing number of people are doing the majority of their computing on these mobile devices. Secondly, mobile devices are particularly vulnerable to malware because their operating systems are updated so rarely. The Technology Review story points to Apple, which only updates its iPhone operating system a couple of times each year. That represents a golden opportunity for governments to infect the smartphones of suspects with spyware.
An old story?
The Technology Review story ends on a somber note. Maybe, it suggests, these malware weapons aren't so unusual. Countries around the world routinely create new weapons. Malware exploits might be the latest version of an arms race. However, consumers might be caught in the crossfire of a Web that's suddenly become considerably more dangerous.