Oil workers bring malware onboard, knocking rigs offline

Offshore oil workers unintentionally download malware that "has incapacitated computer networks on some rigs and platforms." One instance, on a facility in the Gulf of Mexico, caused even an isolated system to lock up. Some of the files - "from online sources featuring pornography or music piracy, for example" - were downloaded through satellite connections. Others wer brought aboard on laptops and USB drives that were infected on land. "Malware infections have occurred at several offshore rigs and platforms, knocking some offline, cybersecurity professionals said." The infections have had disruptive effects, though none has involved a malicious attack that has had safety repercussions.