Internal threats: Infrastructures (Marrochy Shire, Queensland)

Millions of gallons of raw sewage were pumped into the local environment by a computerised waste management system.

In Maroochy Shire, Queensland, millions of gallons of raw sewage were pumped into the local environment by a computerized waste management system. “Marine life died, the creek water turned black and the stench was unbearable for resident”, reported the Australian Environmental Protection Agency”.

Police later found that a contractor at the sewage plant, V. Boden, held software on his hard drive that enabled him to control the sewage management system. According to the UK Centre of the Protection of National Infrastructure (CPNI), Boden had used the internet, wireless radio and his inside knowledge, to carry out an attack over a remotely controlled SCADA system, which he had attempted 46 times over several weeks beforehand.

Boden was jailed for two years for his crime.

His motivation: revenge for job disagreements within the city council.

Cost of the event insider: invaluable.

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