Stuxnet does not infect Vacon AC drives



There has been public discussion about the Stuxnet computer malware and its impact on the operation of Vacon AC drives. This is why Vacon wants to clarify the situation.

Vacon has been investigating the matter and, according to its present knowledge, Stuxnet is not capable of infecting Vacon AC drives in any way. Nor does Vacon know of any instances where Stuxnet would have created problems in the operations of Vacon's customers.  In this respect the processes of Vacon's customers are not at risk.

According to experts, Stuxnet seems to be capable of infecting one manufacturer's certain programmable logic controllers (PLCs) which in turn can be used to control the operation of Vacon AC drives. An infected PLC may operate defectively and thus control the operation of Vacon AC drives in an unwanted manner. Therefore, customers who suspect that their processes might be infected by the Stuxnet malware should contact their PLC provider.

The malware is activated in the infected PLC when very specific conditions are all true at the same time, including an extremely high output frequency. Therefore, any possible effects would concern extremely limited and targeted AC drives application areas. Vacon's experts have not found in their own investigations a single potential case where all the conditions of the malware would be fulfilled.

In addition, because there has been incorrect or inaccurate information in some Internet-based sources regarding Vacon's sales of AC drives to Iran, Vacon wants to emphasize the fact that Vacon has not sold AC drives to Iran against the embargo.

Vacon takes this matter seriously and continues to study the potential impact of Stuxnet. Vacon will also keep its customers, partners and all other relevant stakeholders informed whenever new important information arises.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

What is Class I Division 2?

Image
A Class I Division 2 is a location: (1) In which volatile flammable gases, flammable liquid-produced vapors, or combustible liquid-produced vapors are handled, processed, or used, but in which the liquids, vapors, or gases will normally be confined within closed containers or closed systems from which they can escape only in case of accidental rupture or breakdown of such containers or systems or in case of abnormal operation of equipment, or (2) In which ignitable concentrations of flammable gases, flammable liquid-produced vapors, or combustible liquid-produced vapors are normally prevented by positive mechanical ventilation, and which might become hazardous through failure or abnormal operation of the ventilating equipment. Class I Division 2 Classification Class I Division 2 refers to the ANSI/ISA 12.12.01 standard. This standard was previously UL1604 until UL recommended the newer ANSI/ISA standard be used and that all hazardous location products be certified under this standa
Read more

FUSE SIZING CONSIDERATIONS FOR HIGHER EFFICIENCY MOTORS

Image
When selecting the proper fuse for short circuit protection in motor starting applications, it is important to not only ensure that the fuse will not nuisance open during motor start up times, but also that the fuse will coordinate as required with overload relays. When sizing fuses between 125% and 150% of the motor nameplate current, several advantages, including ease of coordination with an overload device, a smaller disconnect, and increased short circuit protection from a lower fuse rating, can be achieved. However, if sizing at this level prevents the motor from starting, it may then be necessary to increase the fuse ampere rating and it then becomes important to know the NEC sizing limitations. As of June 1, 2016, the US Department of Energy has mandated that newly manufactured electric motors will need to meet NEMA Premium® efficiency standards. As motor efficiencies increase, motor locked rotor currents can also be expected to increase. In addition to this, with across-the-lin
Read more

7/8 16UN Connectors that Provide 600 Volts and 15 Amps

TURCK announces new A-Size 3 and 4-pin 7/8 16UN powerfast™ connectors that provide up to 600 Volts and 15 Amps of power. These IP67 rated connectors provide a modular wiring system designed to handle high current applications for machine power distribution, while providing resistance to vibration commonly associated with conveyors, motors and material handling applications. The cordsets are available with a tray rated, exposed run PVC flexlife ® cable, with or without STOOW rating, and 14 AWG wires that allow you to replace hard wiring with a robust, quick disconnect system that saves the time and money spent installing a conduit system. The A-Size powerfast line offers male and female, straight connectors, standard and custom lengths, and pigtails or extensions. To make the system complete, fully encapsulated mating receptacles, with 1/2”-14 NPT mounting threads are available.
Read more