
Wednesday, the Energy and Homeland Security departments were notified of the discovery of “rare and dangerous” malware that could gain full access to industrial control systems.
The discovery of this malware comes weeks after Russian hackers were caught scanning numerous US energy companies. CISA recommended watching closely over mitigation measures, as the hackers are especially interested in the US energy sector.
Dragos CEO, Robert M. Lee, stated the dangerous malware was initially created to target US liquified natural gas and electric power sites in North America.
Unfortunately, the threat actors were not identified, but based on the type of tools discovered, they are consistent with Russian technology that has been used in previous US attacks.
What damage could the malware do?
- Shut down critical machinery
- Sabotage industrial processes
- Disable safety controls
- Loss of human lives
In the wake of the war in Ukraine, major US infrastructures have been targeted by cyber criminals, with the energy sector currently in the lead. It has become ever more crucial to have a solid cybersecurity plan in place. Below is a list of industries that are frequently targeted.
Top 5 industries targeted for cyber attacks
- Energy/utilities
- Healthcare/medical
- Technology
- Finance services
- Construction
Cybersecurity is an ever-growing industry, and practicing good habits is crucial to preventing attacks. Is cybersecurity a worry for you? Give us a call today to get a quote.