Transcript for Cyber Attack on Nation's Critical Infrastructure

Tonight, there are reports of a cyber attack on the nation's critical inf infrastructure. Using malicious computer software. The hackers now believed to have links to the Russian government. ABC's senior justice correspondent Pierre Thomas has the late breaking details. Pierre? Reporter: Country's most important utilities have been penetrated by hackers using a malicious software called black energy. It was planted years ago, but has not been activated and only recently discovered. What's at risk? Power plants, water treatment facilities. Natural gas pipelines. In theory, this software could allow a hacker to use the internet to shut down a generator, flood a water treatment plant or turn off a pipeline. If you think this is science fiction, take a look at this. In this test, homeland security researchers used a hacking attack to make this generator self-destruct. David, if it was turned loose on our industries, it could cause chaos affecting thousands. Pierre, you were telling us your sources are revealing that authorities believe the Russian could be behind this? Reporter: Yeah, they are saying it possibly could be linked to the Russian government. Pierre Thomas, thank you. There is new information continue in the other hacking

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