Technology

Biblical reference in Stuxnet worm code?

The New York Times reports there is a possible reference to the Old Testament within the Stuxnet program worm code.

Federal News Network Staff

October 1, 2010 2:43 pm

< a min read

Is there a biblical clue to the worm reeking havoc on the Iranian nuclear facilities?

Cyber experts think so, The New York Times reports.

In the code of the Stuxnet program worm, there is a fleeting reference to the Book of Esther, the Old Testament tale in which the Jews pre-empt a Persian plot to destroy them.

Neither the Israeli intelligence service nor the Obama administration are taking credit for the Stuxnet worm.

The worm is capable of taking over control systems and, more importantly, can uncover information about how things are made at the manufacturing level.

The code has appeared in many countries, notably China, India, Indonesia and Iran. But there are hints that Iran’s nuclear program was the primary target.

This story is part of Federal News Radio’s daily Cybersecurity Update brought to you by Tripwire. For more cybersecurity news, click here.