Hackers thought to be linked to Russia deployed malicious software named 'Black Energy' - this trojan, which has been in place since early 2011, could be used to cripple the nations critical infrastructure and potentially cause an economic catastrophe which could severely impact hundreds of thousands of Americans.

The hacked software is used to control complex industrial operations like oil and gas pipelines, power transmission grids, water distribution and filtration systems, wind turbines and even some nuclear plants.

The hacked software is very advanced. It allows designated workers to control various industrial processes through the computer, an iPad or a smart phone, sources said. The software allows information sharing and collaborative control.


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So while U.S. officials recently became aware the penetration, they don’t know where or when it may be unleashed.

DHS says that the Black Energy malware is the same used by another Russian cyber-espionage group earlier this year to target NATO along with some energy and telecommunications companies in Europe.

Sources: ABC News and the DHS