What is a cyberattack, and why can they take out power grids?

Millions of people across France, Portugal, and Spain experienced power outages and mobile service disruptions this morning. The authorities in therestored, although the exact timing for all communities tose countries are seeking to maintain public calm, as such events can lead to widespread panic, especially when it is unclear how long the power or internet will be out.

Luckily, in parts of the Iberian Peninsula and France, electricity is being restored, although the exact timing for all communities to receive power is unknown. The leaders of these countries are expected to provide more details in the coming hours.

What a cyberattack on a power grid looks like

The source of the massive outage is under investigation, with speculation rising that it could have been the result of a cyberattack. If a hacker gains access to the controls of the power grid, they may be able to manipulate it. Any power grid connected to the internet is vulnerable to this type of attack, as a hacker can penetrate the system and remotely control all or part of it. Until the owner of the grid can reestablish control, the hackers can sow chaos by keeping the lights turned off.

Prysmian Magazine published a blog on the dangers that can arise from a cyberattack targeting a country’s power grid, noting that "without electricity, there would be no light, running water, telephone signal, internet, heating and air conditioning."

“Transportation systems would grind to a halt, as would communication networks,” explained the security experts.

These sorts of attacks have long been a concern of international security experts, as they could be used as a weapon of war.

Traditional attacks can also do damage

In addition to cyber attacks, physical attacks on power infrastructure can also do massive damage. By taking out a power station, by starting a fire, for instance, one can cut power to those reliant on that infrastructure.

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