Cybercrims go beyond stealing data to attack physical building systems
Published
What's this about?
'Hold my beer, have fun getting into your offices'
The one-panel cartoon
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A security control room with multiple monitors displaying different camera feeds and system alerts, a technician in a security vest is looking puzzled at a screen showing a message 'Unauthorized Access Detected: HVAC System'.
Caption: Hold my beer, have fun getting into your offices
Read the full 3-panel strip
Based on the original story on theregister.com.
Editor's note
The shift from digital to physical infrastructure attacks highlights the growing interconnectedness of our systems, making critical infrastructure increasingly vulnerable to cyber threats. As these boundaries blur, the potential for real-world consequences—from disrupted services to physical harm—underscores the urgent need for comprehensive security measures across all sectors.
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Read the script
Panel 1
(a) The subject of this story is cybercriminals who typically focus on stealing data but are now expanding their tactics to include attacking physical building systems, such as HVAC and security systems. (b) The irony or absurdity is that cybercriminals who are ostensibly supposed to be virtual hackers are now physically impacting physical infrastructure. (c) The highlight: A hacker casually telling someone to hold their beer while they take control of a building's physical systems. ---
Panel 2
A dimly lit office with a computer screen displaying a hacker's interface. The hacker, a hoodie-clad figure with a laptop, looks focused. Hacker (voice-over) ---
Hacker: Alright, let's check the building's HVAC system. I've got the password from the office supply guy's LinkedIn.
Panel 3
The same office, but now the hacker has a drink in one hand and a phone in the other, looking smug. ---
Hacker: Hold my beer, I’m about to lock down the entire office building.
Panel 4
The hacker’s screen shows a graphic of the building’s HVAC system, with various controls highlighted. A message pops up: The hacker sips their drink, a smug grin on their face. Hacker (to themselves)
Narrator: ACCESS GRANTED.
Hacker: Nice. Now the air conditioning works like a charm. They’ll never see this coming.
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