[http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2011/08/2011blackhatscadafuzzingtomparker.jpg](http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/04/google-search-opens-scada-systems-to-doomsday-scenarios/) Google, the service so great it became a verb, can now add [security risk](http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/21/researcher-will-enable-hackers-to-take-over-millions-of-home-rou/) to its roster of unintended results. The search site played inadvertent host to remotely accessed Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition ([SCADA](http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/26/defense-department-developing-portable-hacking-device-for-soldie/)) systems in a [Black Hat conference](http://www.engadget.com/tag/black+hat+conference/) demo led by FusionX's Tom Parker. The security company CTO walked attendees through the steps required to gain control of worldwide utility infrastructure -- power plants, for one -- but stopped short of actually engaging the vulnerable networks. Using a string of code, unique to a Programmable Logic Controller (the computers behind amusement park rides and assembly lines) Parker was able to pull up a water treatment facility's RTU pump, and even found its disaster-welcoming "1234" password -- all through a Google search. Shaking your head in disbelief? We agree, but Parker reassured the crowd these types of outside attacks require a substantial amount of effort and coordination, and "would be extremely challenging to pull off." Panic attack worn off yet? Good, now redirect those fears to the imminent day of [robot-helmed reckoning](http://www.engadget.com/tag/robot+apocalypse/).
Google search opens SCADA systems to doomsday scenarios originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 04 Aug 2011 05:26:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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