Hackers could already be inside American utilities, cyber experts warn of ‘Trojan Horse’ threat

Cybersecurity experts warn that hackers may already have access to parts of US critical infrastructure, including utilities, and could exploit that access later. They say a recent attack on supermarket refrigeration in France shows how digital intrusions can disrupt essential services and cause substantial economic and social harm.

John Walsh of IGEL says many operational technology systems are 15 to 20 years old, costly to replace and difficult to take offline for upgrades. He argues operators should plan for attackers to be present and focus on limiting damage and restoring services; policy experts also raise concerns about everyday appliances connected to the internet.