Author: Micah Cronin

A breach of security in vital U.S. infrastructure, which has been active since 2011, has put hundreds of thousands of Americans at risk. According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), industrial control systems software, which controls oil and gas pipelines, power transmission grids, water distribution and filtration systems, and wind turbines have been hacked and infected with malware. Malware, short for malicious software, is any software used to disrupt computer operation, gather sensitive information, or gain access to a private computer. It was originally reported that some nuclear plants were threatened as well, but the Nuclear Energy Institute stated it has “recently received classified briefing by DHS on this Russian malware campaign,” which assured that “U.S. nuclear plants are isolated from external networks.”

According to ABC News, National Security sources have alerted that the presence of the malware is not a random attack by a rogue cyber-terror group. Rather, national security authorities believe the existence of the malware in essential U.S. industrial systems to be under the support of the Russian government. The malware could be used to “damage, modify, or otherwise disrupt” industrial controls.

This malware is quite advanced. According to Tech Times, it gives hackers the capability to control industrial operations with a smartphone, tablet, or a laptop. It also has the capacity for “collaborative control” and information sharing.

Rising tensions between Russia and the West amid the crisis in the Ukraine and other ongoing issues make this revelation all the more alarming. According to ABC, the DHS believes the Russians have “torn a page from the old, Cold War playbook, and have placed the malware in key U.S. systems as a threat”. DHS spokespersons also speculated Russia may be using the malware as a deterrent against possible future confrontation by the United States, harkening the old strategy of mutually assured destruction.

The malware used in this cyber-invasion has been called “BlackEnergy,” and according to the Washington Times it is the same malware used by the Russian espionage group “Sandworm.” This group is believed to be responsible for its ongoing hacking and spying on North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) since 2009, which was only discovered this past October. Tech Times commented that besides NATO, “Hackers [of the Sandworm group] have been taking advantage of a vulnerability that existed in the Windows OS to conduct cyber espionage on Ukraine…and several other countries since 2009.” Microsoft claims it has since addressed the weaknesses which were exploited by Sandworm, according to the Washington Times. For some, it is becoming evident cyber attacks and cyber espionage is becoming a favorite tool of the Russian government.

This marks the third major allegedly Russian-sponsored cyber attack this year. The Washington Times stated JP Morgan Chase & Co. was hacked and the names and personal information of over 83 million people were compromised. The company was not able to shut out the hackers for weeks.

It seems possible to some to refer to these acts as terrorism by the Russian government. The Washington Times previously quoted a security analyst as describing the JP Morgan attack as scaring “the pants off people.” This latest incident involving critical industrial systems that American citizens depend on likely was in part purposed to evoke fear at home.

It is unclear what the response of the United States will be. It is also vague as to why and how this malware went undetected for three years.

With the commencement of flu season upon us, the student health services staff has partnered with the Allegany Health Department to open a flu clinic for Houghton students and anyone in the community ages six months and older. The clinic will offer flu shots in the lower level of the Campus Center on October 27th, from 10am-2pm. The shots will be administered by nurses from the Allegany Health Department.

According to Laurie Hennessy, Director of Patient Services for Allegany County, no appointment is necessary. Just walk in, and “bring short sleeves (or ones that easily roll up) and your insurance card.” Flu shots are covered in full by most insurance plans, and any co-pay will be determined on a need-based scale, which should make them affordable to everyone.

The flu clinic is an annual event at Houghton College. The hope is that students will be encouraged to be proactive about fighting the flu virus—which is why steps are taken to make the process as convenient and (figuratively) painless as possible. Gail Smith, nursing supervisor at the health center, was responsible for coordinating and organizing the flu clinic. She stated, “I hope more students will get the shot this year. The campus is an especially good environment for the spread of respiratory borne illnesses such as influenza.”

Who should get a flu shot? “Everyone!” said Hennessy. “Flu kills and I don’t think people understand that.” Smith agrees, stating all students should seriously consider getting the vaccine, “especially anyone with a medical condition that might lower their resistance to respiratory infections, such as those with asthma, diabetes, cardiac problems and other chronic conditions.”

This year’s flu shot covers four strains of the flu, as opposed to last year’s 3 strains. The vaccination immunizes against strains of respiratory flu, instead of gastrointestinal flu. Hennessy stated that in her opinion the respiratory strains are more dangerous.

Dr. David Brubaker, director of health services, said, “For most college students, influenza (the “flu”) usually causes a miserable but self-limited viral illness characterized by fever, body aches, headaches and upper respiratory symptoms including sore throat, runny nose, and a cough that can be quite bothersome.”

He said, “It typically resolves on its own over the courses of a week to ten days without complications, but can leave you feeling wiped out following the illness for a while longer. Because of this, students should take care to avoid getting the flu, as it can result in missing classes, practices, falling behind in homework, etc.” However, students with other health issues are at higher risk of complications from the flu virus, which could lead to hospitalization and, rarely, death.

To prevent the flu, students can exercise, rest, hydrate, wash their hands frequently, and generally maintain good health practices. Since illness spreads rampantly on residential college campuses, the most effective prevention is to just get a flu shot. Many health experts say prevention of the flu is preferable to treatment after a person has contracted it.

According to Sue Montoro, the health center medical receptionist, a student who cannot get to the flu clinic could possibly receive the flu shot at the Fillmore pharmacy. However, the disadvantages to this are that they can only be administered when a pharmacist is in, and there is no need based scale to cover co-pays. Sue advised that students try their best to get to the flu clinic if they want to be sure that they can get a shot at the best possible price or completely free of charge.

Anyone interested in getting a flu shot should go to the basement of the Campus Center on Monday, October 27th any time between 10am and 2pm. Remember to wear short sleeves and “please bring your insurance cards!” urged Smith.