Via Wired’s Threat Level blog. A IT consultant for Pacific Energy Resources was indicted on allegations that he disabled a control system responsible for detecting leaks in the oil pipelines running from three derricks off the California coastline. According to the report, his contract was coming to an end and he was upset that he wasn’t going to be retained as a full-time employee. Fortunately, there was no oil leak according to a company spokesman. Still, the disgruntled consultant’s alleged actions could have had a serious environmental impact and led to some big expenses for Pacific Energy Resources.
From the write-up:
“Mario Azar, 28, faces a maximum 10-year term after being accused of purposely impairing a computer system that monitored for leaks on three Pacific Energy Resources platforms offshore of Huntington Beach.”
Don’t be surprised if you see additional reports of similar incidents as more and more companies cut back on staff to deal with the economic fallout. Anytime you let someone go, there’s going to be an increased risk. Companies need to have a process to elevate the level of vigilance for insider attacks when they are planning on layoffs. When HR says they’re laying off employees, whoever is responsible for security needs to step in and take action to increase activity monitoring, limit privileges and control access where necessary prevent incidents like this one.
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