More information appears on recently reported cyber intrusions into US power utility networks: the incursions appear to have been cyber reconnaissance, which is consistent with Department of Homeland Security claims that no damage was found in control systems. One of the hackers mentioned in dispatches is Wang Dong (former nom de guerre "Ugly Gorilla," currently going by "Say Goodbye to my youth") whom regular readers will recognize from US indictments of Chinese PLA officers. Among the utilities affected was that of Madison, New Jersey, a smallish town that manages its own piece of the grid, and therefore an attractive test target.

The World Cup continues to spawn more cyber crime than effective hacktivism, but big sponsors remain on alert. Fans in Brazil to watch the games are advised to be wary of local AC/DC device chargers.

The Australian mining trade press discusses the difficulty of balancing security and operational efficiency, an act all industries will find familiar.

In industry news, Target's new CISO will report to the CIO, and observers differ over whether that will prove an effective organization. The US State Department has turned to bonuses (although it refuses to call them such) in its efforts to lure cyber talent from industry.

NIST 800-53 Revision 5 is likely to place more emphasis on continuous monitoring, and enterprises consider doing the same in anticipation of the new US security standard. Also in the US, the FCC revises its own cyber defense guidance for industry; the FAA pushes avionics cyber security.