A recent network breach gave hackers access to a utility provider's network, allowing them to destroy a water pump, CNET reported.

Joe Weiss, managing partner of Applied Control Solutions, told the news source the breach at the unnamed utility provider was made possible after hackers stole usernames and passwords from a database of a company that provides businesses with supervisory control and data acquisition systems.

The breach gave criminals the ability to access the utility network, leaving them with free reign to change controls that impact physical infrastructure, the report said.

Weiss said the breadth of the data breach is currently difficult to identify.

"It is unknown, at this time, the number of SCADA usernames and passwords acquired from the software company's database and if any additional SCADA systems have been attacked as a result of this theft," Weiss told the news source.

This event emphasizes the importance of a multi-tiered network security system that includes intrusion prevention. SCADA is an excellent security tool, but breaches of this nature can still leave businesses vulnerable. Wireless intrusion prevention tells companies when an unauthorized user is on their network, allowing them to prevent that user from gaining access. This is especially helpful for wireless networks in corporate settings.