The phrase “cyber attack” elicits thoughts of a compromised information system, a crashed computer network, or inappropriate access to sensitive electronic information.  It doesn’t usually conjure up images of machinery setting on fire, and smoke emerging from a factory.  Nevertheless, here is a video of an experimental cyber attack named Aurora, which took place on a generator in a manufacturing plant.

 

The experiment, which took place approximately five years ago, demonstrated potential vulnerabilities that could be used to attack much larger generators that produce the country’s electric power.  It is an interesting reminder of the impact that cyber attacks can have on critical infrastructure.