This CBS News article is succinct at describing the problem we face with SolarWinds. While much attention has been given to the 2016 Ukrainian grid attack, where the attack was initiated by phishing, the 2017 Ukrainian attack looks more like the blueprint we are now experiencing. The SolarWinds attack is evidence the Russian government is building its capabilities on all levels. The Russian government has been able to penetrate our supply chain with persistent surveillance. Backdoors have been uncovered, but many more have yet to be identified. It appears clear the 2016 Ukrainian attack planted back doors for the 2017 attack, which will enable even more advanced techniques to be used going forward.
-Darrell Massie, EnerTech Sector Expert
