Linux Solutions

Although this story has nothing to do with Linux, I thought it was rather interesting all the same…

The Ministry of Defence said yesterday that they have suffered from a virus outbreak in their computer systems, causing a small number of the defence network’s systems to crash, leaving Royal Navy warships administration networks vulnerable.

The computer systems that have been affected are the NavyStar systems, which are based on a server cabinet and cable-networked PC’s on each warship. The systems are used primarily to keep supply records and act as an email server. NavyStar connects to large networks via shore-based connection when vessels are sitting in their docks, and use satellite communication while out on the open sea.

The company supplying the systems is Fujitsu, who supplied the systems in early 2000. NavyStar is to be used as part of the Defence Information Infrastructure that is currently being rolled out across the MoD.

The NavyStar hardware varies from ship to ship, as it depends when the systems were installed and at what point the vessel had its last dockyard maintenance. Each system is built with sturdiness and is battle ready – with the PC’s having hard cases and shock mounting. Each system is made to follow strict emissions guidelines to avoid complications with other systems.

In the last two weeks multiple MoD systems have been infected by viruses, including aircraft carrier the Ark Royal. The biggest damage to the men and women on the ships is the loss of email communication – the main way of keeping in touch with family and friends.

This statement was released by the MoD:

“Since 6 Jan 09 the performance of the MOD IT systems in a number of areas was affected by a virus. Immediate action was taken to isolate the problem to stop the virus from spreading. This meant that some people were without regular IT access (i.e. email, internet). There have been no infections detected on any networks with sensitive information.

“A solution to prevent re-infection has been tested and implemented. The majority of systems are working normally. This is an ongoing process which we are working urgently on so for those people who are still off line normal business will resume as quickly as possible.”

The MoD has says that none of its command or operational systems have been affected, but they do run on similar hardware so you can bet their security experts are working overtime to ensure they don’t have any further problems.

The MoD has also refused to comment on the details of the virus, and how it got into the systems but reassured its staff that “no classified or personal data has been or will be at risk of compromise” due to “pre-existing security measures”.