Terrorist Interest in Water Supply and SCADA Systems
Information Note Number: IN02-002
30 January 2002
Purpose
The U.S. National Infrastructure Protection Center has issued an Information Bulletin relating terrorist interest in water supply and Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems. A computer formerly belonging to an individual with indirect links to USAMA BIN LADIN has been found to contain structural architecture computer programs that suggest the individual was interested in structural engineering as it related to dams and other water-retaining structures. The computer programs include CATIGE, BEAM, AUTOCAD 2000 and MICROSTRAN, as well as programs used to identify and classify soils using the UNIFIED SOIL CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM.
In addition, US law enforcement and intelligence agencies have received indications that Al-Qa'ida members have sought information on SCADA systems available on multiple SCADA-related Web sites. They specifically sought information on water supply and wastewater management practices in the U.S. There has also been interest in insecticides and pest control products at several U.S. Web sites.
Suggested Action
OCIPEP does not have any information relating these terrorist interests to Canadian critical infrastructure installations, operations or staff. OCIPEP will continue to monitor all sources for intelligence and information related to threats to Canadian critical infrastructure.
OCIPEP reminds critical infrastructure owners/operators that their operations or facilities may be placed at risk by sensitive information that is made available to the public on the Internet or through other means. Further information regarding potential threats arising from Web site information gathering can be found in the OCIPEP Advisory of 17 January 2002.
Note to Readers
The Canadian Cyber Incident Response Centre (CCIRC) provides a focal point for Canada's cyber threat and vulnerability warning, analysis and response. CCIRC is responsible for assuring the resilience of national critical infrastructure through monitoring threats and coordinating a federal response to cyber security incidents of national interest. CCIRC operates in conjunction with the Government Operations Centre (GOC) within Public Safety Canada and is a key component of the government's all-hazards approach to emergency management and national security.
For general information, please contact Public Safety Canada's Public Affairs division at:
Telephone: 613-944-4875 or 1-800-830-3118
Fax: 613-998-9589
E-mail: communications@ps-sp.gc.ca