Iranian-linked hackers shut down a British power plant for four days in the most alarming attack of its kind, according to a report.
The attack, reported in July, is believed to be the first known case of Iranian hackers successfully shutting down a British power-generation facility, The Telegraph reported.
The target was a small-scale power generator that has not been identified. The attack did not threaten Britain’s wider electrical supply, UK officials said.
The incident was reported to the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), the public-facing arm of GCHQ, The Telegraph reported.
The breach set off alarm bells across Britain’s energy industry. Authorities issued a warning about the growing threat from Iran-linked cyber groups.
The NCSC warned companies earlier this year to prepare for possible attacks by Iran-linked hackers amid escalating tensions involving Iran, the United States and its allies.
This incident comes as a string of cyberattacks against water infrastructure has impacted at least 12 states in the US. In Minnesota, officials accused Iran of causing brief automated shutdowns and some boil-water notices.
The UK government warned that cyberattacks against domestic infrastructure remain a serious risk as artificial intelligence makes attacks faster and easier to launch.
But British officials reassure that the country’s energy system remains highly resilient and that the government is working closely with industries to tighten defense.
“The UK has a highly resilient energy system. We work closely with the energy sector to protect infrastructure and ensure the highest security standards,” a government spokesman told The Telegraph.
