SVT Review Finds Thousands of Critical Systems Exposed Online With Weak Security

SVT has found security flaws in thousands of control systems used to operate physical equipment.

This includes refrigeration systems in grocery stores and IVF laboratories, defrosting systems on wind turbines, and ventilation systems in polling stations, according to SVT.

The systems have been accessible via web browsers and, in many cases, have lacked protection beyond usernames and passwords. Some have not even required passwords.

Several systems are used for socially important activities, according to SVT.

"We do not recommend anyone expose themselves in this way," says John Billow, director of the National Cybersecurity Center.