◎陳成良
An emerging network of intelligent power switches, called the Smart Grid, could be taken down by a cyberattack, according to researchers at IOActive Inc., a Seattle-based security consultancy.
一種稱為「智慧電網」的新興智慧電力開關，可能被網路攻擊行動擊垮，據總部設在西雅圖的安全顧問公司IOActive研究人員指出。
IOActive researchers have spent the past year testing Smart Grid devices for security vulnerabilities and have discovered a number of flaws that could allow hackers to access the network and cut power, according to Joshua Pennell, IOActive's CEO.
IOActive研究人員過去一年對「智慧電網」設備進行測試，以找出安全漏洞，結果發現若干瑕疵可能令駭客進入到這個網路並切斷電力，據IOActive執行長約書亞．培尼爾表示。
Smart Grid devices are small computers that are connected to the power grid, giving customers and power companies better control over the electricity they use. There are about 2 million of these devices currently deployed, but many more are expected to be added in coming years.
「智慧電網」設備是連接到電力網的小型電腦，讓消費者及電力公司對用電進行更佳的管控。目前已建置了約200萬部這種設備，預計未來幾年還會裝設更多。
IOActive and independent security researcher Travis Goodspeed concluded that these Smart Grid devices could be used to spread malicious code.
IOActive與獨立安全研究員崔佛斯．古茲匹德總結指出，「智慧電網」設備可能被利用來散佈惡性程式碼。
In the hands of a malicious hacker, this code could be used to cut power to Smart Grid devices that use a feature called "remote disconnect," which allows power companies to cut a customer's power via the network.
在不懷好意的駭客手中，這種程式碼可能會被用來切斷「智慧電網」設備的電力。「智慧電網」運用一種稱為「遠端斷電」的特點，讓電力公司能透過網路切斷顧客的電力。
新聞辭典
susceptible to：片語，易受……影響的；對……敏感的；易為……感染（感動）的。例句：The plant is not susceptible to disease.（這種植物不易受病害侵襲。）
grid：名詞，（將電流輸送廣大地區的） 高壓輸電線路網。grid原意為「格狀的框架；格子」。美國的電力設施，多年來採取相互支援、將多區電廠透過電塔串接成棋盤網路的模式運作，形成所謂的「power grid」。
via：介系詞，經由；憑、藉（=by means of）。via air mail指以航空郵寄。
http://www.libertytimes.com.tw/2009/new/mar/28/today-int7.htm
