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Showing posts with label IT systems breach. Show all posts

Hungarian Defence Agency Hacked: Foreign Hackers Breach IT Systems

 

Foreign hackers recently infiltrated the IT systems of Hungary’s Defence Procurement Agency, a government body responsible for managing the country’s military acquisitions. According to Gergely Gulyas, the chief of staff to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, no sensitive military data related to Hungary’s national security or its military structure was compromised during the breach. Speaking at a press briefing, Gulyas confirmed that while some plans and procurement data may have been accessed, nothing that could significantly harm Hungary’s security was made public. The attackers, described as a “hostile foreign, non-state hacker group,” have not been officially identified by name. 

However, Hungarian news outlet Magyar Hang reported that a group known as INC Ransomware claimed responsibility for the breach. According to the outlet, the group accessed, encrypted, and reportedly published some files online, along with screenshots to demonstrate their access. The Hungarian government has refrained from confirming these details, citing an ongoing investigation to assess the breach’s scope and potential impact fully. Hungary, a NATO member state sharing a border with Ukraine, has been increasing its military investments since 2017 under a modernization and rearmament initiative. 

This program has seen the purchase of tanks, helicopters, air defense systems, and the establishment of a domestic military manufacturing industry. Among the notable projects is the production of Lynx infantry fighting vehicles by Germany’s Rheinmetall in Zalaegerszeg, a region in western Hungary. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine, which began with Russia’s 2022 invasion, has further driven Hungary to increase its defense spending. The government recently announced plans to allocate at least 2% of its GDP to military expenditures in 2024. Gulyas assured reporters that Hungary’s most critical military data remains secure. 

The Defence Procurement Agency itself does not handle sensitive information related to military operations or structural details, limiting the potential impact of the breach. The investigation aims to clarify whether the compromised files include any material that could pose broader risks to the nation’s defense strategy. The breach raises concerns about the cybersecurity measures protecting Hungary’s defense systems, particularly given the escalating reliance on advanced technology in modern military infrastructure. With ransomware attacks becoming increasingly sophisticated, governments and agencies globally are facing heightened pressure to bolster their cybersecurity defenses. 

Hungary’s response to this incident will likely involve a combination of intensified cybersecurity protocols and ongoing collaboration with NATO allies to mitigate similar threats in the future. As the investigation continues, the government is expected to release further updates about the breach’s scope and any additional preventive measures being implemented.

Back-to-Back Cyberattacks Disrupt Car Dealers in the US and Canada

 

In recent weeks, car dealerships across the United States and Canada have been severely disrupted by consecutive cyberattacks, underlining the growing vulnerability of the automotive retail sector. These attacks, involving sophisticated ransomware operations, have caused significant operational challenges, impacting the ability of dealerships to conduct business as usual. 

The cybercriminals targeted dealership IT systems, locking down critical data and demanding hefty ransoms for its release. This tactic has not only paralyzed daily operations but also jeopardized sensitive customer information. The attacks have disrupted everything from vehicle sales and service appointments to finance and insurance processes, causing substantial financial losses and reputational damage. 

One of the primary concerns stemming from these incidents is the exposure of customer data. Personal details, financial information, and even vehicle identification numbers (VINs) are at risk, potentially leading to identity theft and financial fraud. This breach of trust can have long-term consequences for the affected dealerships, eroding customer confidence and loyalty. The recent wave of cyberattacks has prompted a swift response from the automotive industry and cybersecurity experts. Dealerships are being urged to enhance their cybersecurity protocols, including implementing stronger encryption methods, regular system audits, and comprehensive employee training programs. 

These measures are essential to fortify defenses against future attacks and safeguard sensitive information. The automotive sector, much like other industries, must recognize the persistent threat posed by cybercriminals. As these attacks become increasingly sophisticated, the need for proactive and robust cybersecurity strategies is more critical than ever. This includes not only technical defenses but also a culture of awareness and vigilance among employees. 

In the wake of these attacks, industry bodies and regulatory authorities are also calling for greater collaboration and information sharing. By working together, dealerships can better understand emerging threats, share best practices, and develop collective defenses against cyber adversaries. The disruptions caused by these back-to-back cyberattacks serve as a stark reminder of the importance of cybersecurity in the digital age. 

For car dealerships, the priority must now be on bolstering their defenses to protect their operations and the personal data of their customers. As the automotive industry continues to embrace digital transformation, ensuring robust cybersecurity measures will be key to maintaining business continuity and customer trust.

Cleveland Confirms Ransomware Attack Behind City Hall Cyber Issues

 

Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb’s office informed employees today that the "cyber incident" affecting City Hall computer systems was indeed a ransomware attack.

In an email sent to workers on Friday afternoon, which Signal Cleveland obtained, the city confirmed the ransomware presence following an investigation by city IT staff, the FBI, and the Ohio National Guard’s Cyber Reserve.

"The nature of the attack is still under investigation as we work to restore and recover our systems," the email stated. "At this time, we cannot disclose anything further, as this is a sensitive investigation."

This email marked the city’s first public acknowledgment of the ransomware attack since encountering computer system issues the previous Saturday.

The email noted that ransomware attacks are increasingly common, highlighting that no organization is immune to digital threats. Neither the employee message nor a subsequent news release from the city indicated whether the ransom had been paid.

"We are taking this matter very seriously and are working diligently to assess the full extent of the attack on our systems," the email continued. "We have taken immediate steps to validate our cybersecurity measures and are working to restore our systems as quickly as possible."

City Hall will remain closed to the public on Monday, though employees are expected to report to work. The mayor's office assured that essential services—emergency response, waste collection, recreation centers, the airport, and utilities—are still operational.