US hospitals hacked with ancient exploits

Look at my brand new, state of the art stable door! Unfortunately we haven't got anyone to check if it is open, closed or someone has attempted to bypass it.

Well, so much for 'security by obscurity'.

It is only going to get worse until people start being more proactive and realizing all the actual threats that are out there. From a white paper:

"Embedded devices such as industrial computers, POS (point of sale) machines, ATM

(automatic teller machines), physical security alarm systems, building automation

controllers, environmental controllers for heating and air conditioning (HVAC) systems,

and printers are often overlooked when it comes to cyber security. These devices do not

operate on a common mature operating system like Microsoft Windows, and each

manufacturer tends to use their own set of security features within these devices, if any

are applied at all. Most IT and Security departments focus most of their time and

resources in maintaining security levels for the corporate network devices and

computers, and solutions to protect embedded devices such as printers and industrial

HVAC controllers are a low priority, if not a nuisance."

Food for thought!

Karen Bannan for IDG and HP