Simulated Cyberattack Shows Hackers Blasting Away at the Power Grid

Researchers who launched an experimental cyber attack caused a generator to self-destruct, alarming the federal government and electrical industry about what might happen if such an attack were carried out on a larger scale, CNN has learned.

Department of Homeland Security video shows a generator spewing smoke after a staged experiment. Sources familiar with the experiment said the same attack scenario could be used against huge generators that produce the country's electric power.