in this process. reporter: that pipe is filled with water but it could be filled with oil, even acid. when this valve is closed, we should turn off this pump. reporter: that didn t happen because these energy researchers were able to hack the controller. as an operator, you are completely locked out. reporter: it s the same kind used at oil and gas facilities. this hack could cause gas pipes and water tanks to explode or overflow and could represent modern-day warfare, infiltrating the code that makes it run. you can cripple an entire country by attacking infrastructure. reporter: if there s a conflict with syria, damascus could respond from cyberspace. they have big allies with decent capabilities, such as iran and russia. they re definitely capable of launching some sort of cyber capability towards us in the united states. reporter: with this hack,