When the Stuxnet computer worm emerged last summer, it was unlike anything the world has ever seen.
Computer scientists who unraveled the code discovered an incredibly sophisticated cyberweapon designed to gunk up the operations of certain industrial systems, specifically the ones that run Iran’s nuclear factories. While it doesn’t pose a threat to typical computer users, some experts warn that the source code can be used to the create malware capable of causing widespread havoc.
The hacktivist group Anonymous spawned a bit of hysteria back in February when some members claimed to have in their possession a decompile of the original source code. Even so, a real threat has yet to materialize.
While there are more questions than answers at this point, the one thing we do know is that the tale of the worm’s mysterious origins and potential for mass destruction is incredibly complex, raising all kinds of theories, suspicions and so much hysteria that it can be more than a tad bit confusing at times. That’s why Patrick Claire, a video producer, created a narrative video entitled “Stuxnet: Anatomy of a Computer Virus.” The infographic uses compelling visual detail and a riveting soundtrack to explain how Stuxnet works and what we know so far.
I highly recommend you give it a watch:
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More infographics:
