Global Health Threats
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Hackers tried to poison the water supply of a small Florida town; is this the beginning of a new global health threat?*
(17 Feb 2021) Two days before the Super Bowl, in the Tampa suburb of Oldsmar, a technician at the Haddock Water Treatment Plant noticed something odd: the cursor was moving across his computer screen while his mouse sat idle. At first he assumed his supervisor was remotely logged in and simply checking out the systems of the plant, which provides drinking water to 15,000 local residents. His curiosity changed to panic when, a few hours later, the mysterious cursor began adjusting the level of chemicals being added to the water supply. Specifically, the level of sodium hydroxide (caustic soda) was being moved from the ordinary setting of 100 parts per million (ppm) to 11,100 ppm. At low levels, sodium hydroxide regulates PH levels; at high levels, it will damage human tissue. Officials at the plant quickly adjusted the settings back to normal, and they pointed out that PH testing mechanisms would have caught the problem before any contaminated water ever got to the taps, but does that make anyone feel at ease? The attack on the Oldsmar plant is eerily similar to a number of 2020 attacks on Israel's water supply, almost certainly the work of Iranian hackers. A disturbing new threat appears to be emerging; and, with over 100,000 water treatment facilities in the US, it is a threat which cannot be ignored. In the next issue of The Penn Wealth Report, we will take a look at the threat to America's water supply and how we can prepare for an attack; we also take a look at some viable investment choices in the water utilities sector.
(17 Feb 2021) Two days before the Super Bowl, in the Tampa suburb of Oldsmar, a technician at the Haddock Water Treatment Plant noticed something odd: the cursor was moving across his computer screen while his mouse sat idle. At first he assumed his supervisor was remotely logged in and simply checking out the systems of the plant, which provides drinking water to 15,000 local residents. His curiosity changed to panic when, a few hours later, the mysterious cursor began adjusting the level of chemicals being added to the water supply. Specifically, the level of sodium hydroxide (caustic soda) was being moved from the ordinary setting of 100 parts per million (ppm) to 11,100 ppm. At low levels, sodium hydroxide regulates PH levels; at high levels, it will damage human tissue. Officials at the plant quickly adjusted the settings back to normal, and they pointed out that PH testing mechanisms would have caught the problem before any contaminated water ever got to the taps, but does that make anyone feel at ease? The attack on the Oldsmar plant is eerily similar to a number of 2020 attacks on Israel's water supply, almost certainly the work of Iranian hackers. A disturbing new threat appears to be emerging; and, with over 100,000 water treatment facilities in the US, it is a threat which cannot be ignored. In the next issue of The Penn Wealth Report, we will take a look at the threat to America's water supply and how we can prepare for an attack; we also take a look at some viable investment choices in the water utilities sector.
China busted trying to steal Covid-19 vaccine data from Moderna
(31 Jul 2020) China, the communist-controlled nation which unleashed a pandemic on the world, is now trying to steal the potential vaccine for the virus from the men and women working tirelessly to develop the therapy. The United States Department of Justice announced last week the indictment of two government-backed Chinese hackers who had targeted Massachusetts-based biotech firm Moderna (MRNA $12-$75-$95) in an attempt to access classified data surrounding a Covid-19 vaccine in late-state trials. Cybersecurity experts working with the firm uncovered the criminal activities and alerted the FBI, who were able to ultimately finger the perps. The DoJ also mentioned breaches at two other biotech firms, one in California and another in Maryland, stemming from China. Last week the United States ordered the Chinese consulate in Houston closed due to a number of national security threats emanating from members of the consulate—such as providing fake passports and credentials to Chinese nationals attempting to gain employment at medical research facilities. China has denied all charges, labeling them "baseless accusations." Moderna's most promising vaccine, with the help of a $483 million government contract, has entered a Phase 3 trial with 30,000 participants.
(31 Jul 2020) China, the communist-controlled nation which unleashed a pandemic on the world, is now trying to steal the potential vaccine for the virus from the men and women working tirelessly to develop the therapy. The United States Department of Justice announced last week the indictment of two government-backed Chinese hackers who had targeted Massachusetts-based biotech firm Moderna (MRNA $12-$75-$95) in an attempt to access classified data surrounding a Covid-19 vaccine in late-state trials. Cybersecurity experts working with the firm uncovered the criminal activities and alerted the FBI, who were able to ultimately finger the perps. The DoJ also mentioned breaches at two other biotech firms, one in California and another in Maryland, stemming from China. Last week the United States ordered the Chinese consulate in Houston closed due to a number of national security threats emanating from members of the consulate—such as providing fake passports and credentials to Chinese nationals attempting to gain employment at medical research facilities. China has denied all charges, labeling them "baseless accusations." Moderna's most promising vaccine, with the help of a $483 million government contract, has entered a Phase 3 trial with 30,000 participants.
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The Dirty Truth Behind the World's Pandemics
The living conditions and health habits pervasive in third-world countries can now impact the entire globe. Don't look to the World Health Organization for help. (See article in The Penn Wealth Report by clicking button to right) |