A Russian man pleaded guilty on Thursday (Nov 30) to involvement in developing the Trickbot malware which was used to extort American businesses including hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic, the US justice department said.&nbsp;

The man, identified as 40-year-old Vladimir Dunaev is from Russia’s Far East Amur Oblast and was extradited from South Korea to the US two years ago,&nbsp; according to court documents.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<h2>Charges against the Russian national</h2>

Dunaev was charged with conspiracy to commit computer fraud and identity theft and conspiracy to commit wire fraud and bank fraud. He has pleaded guilty to both charges in a court in the US state of Ohio, said the Department of Justice (DOJ).&nbsp;

According to the US officials, Dunaev provided “specialised services and technical abilities in furtherance of the Trickbot scheme.”

He will be charged on March 20, 2024, and faces a maximum penalty of 35 years in prison on both counts.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/sanctions-against-key-members-of-russian-hacking-group-trickbot-560806">&nbsp;Sanctions against key members of Russian hacking group 'Trickbot'</a>

Dunaev was among nine with alleged links to Russian intelligence services, and were indicted in the US for involvement in the Trickbot scheme.&nbsp;

According to the DOJ, Dunaev’s participation in the scheme was linked to 10 victims in the Northern District of Ohio, including Avon schools and a North Canton real-estate company, who were “defrauded of more than $3.4 million via ransomware deployed by Trickbot.”

“Dunaev and his codefendants hid behind their keyboards, first to create Trickbot, then using it to infect millions of computers worldwide – including those used by hospitals, schools, and businesses – invading privacy and causing untold disruption and financial damage,” said US Attorney Rebecca Lutzko, in a statement.&nbsp;

<h2>What is Trickbot and how did it affect the US?</h2>

Trickbot is a malicious software which was used to launch cyber-attacks which affected millions of Americans as well as hospitals, schools, and businesses and caused tens of millions of dollars in losses.&nbsp;

The group that Dunaev was said to be a part of particularly targeted hospitals and healthcare services during the Covid pandemic in 2020-21, with the malware and an associated ransomware programme called Conti, said the US officials.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-uk-sanction-members-of-russia-based-trickbot-cybercrime-gang-for-malicious-activities-560455">US, UK sanction members of Russia-based Trickbot cybercrime gang for malicious activities</a>

The Trickbot group launched cyber attacks against hundreds of targets across nearly the entire US and more than 30 other countries since 2016. The malware was also reportedly used to steal bank account logins and passwords from victims’ computers to steal money from their accounts.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, British officials said the Trickbot gang had extorted at least $180 million from people across the world.

Earlier this year, one of Dunaev’s co-conspirators and a Latvian national Alla Witte, who was also a Trickbot malware developer, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit computer fraud and was sentenced to two years and eight months in prison.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

A Russian man pleaded guilty on Thursday (Nov 30) to involvement in developing the Trickbot malware which was used to extort American businesses including hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic, the US justice department said.

A Russian man pleaded guilty on Thursday (Nov 30) to involvement in developing the Trickbot malware which was used to extort American businesses including hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic, the US justice department said. The man, identified as 40-year-old Vladimir Dunaev is from Russia’s Far East Amur Oblast and was extradited from South Korea to the US two years ago, according to court documents. Charges against the Russian national Dunaev was charged with conspiracy to commit computer fraud and identity theft and conspiracy to commit wire fraud and bank fraud. He has pleaded guilty to both charges in a court in the US state of Ohio, said the Department of Justice (DOJ). According to the US officials, Dunaev provided “specialised services and technical abilities in furtherance of the Trickbot scheme.” He will be charged on March 20, 2024, and faces a maximum penalty of 35 years in prison on both counts. ALSO WATCH | Sanctions against key members of Russian hacking group 'Trickbot' Dunaev was among nine with alleged links to Russian intelligence services, and were indicted in the US for involvement in the Trickbot scheme. According to the DOJ, Dunaev’s participation in the scheme was linked to 10 victims in the Northern District of Ohio, including Avon schools and a North Canton real-estate company, who were “defrauded of more than $3.4 million via ransomware deployed by Trickbot.” “Dunaev and his codefendants hid behind their keyboards, first to create Trickbot, then using it to infect millions of computers worldwide – including those used by hospitals, schools, and businesses – invading privacy and causing untold disruption and financial damage,” said US Attorney Rebecca Lutzko, in a statement. What is Trickbot and how did it affect the US? Trickbot is a malicious software which was used to launch cyber-attacks which affected millions of Americans as well as hospitals, schools, and businesses and caused tens of millions of dollars in losses. The group that Dunaev was said to be a part of particularly targeted hospitals and healthcare services during the Covid pandemic in 2020-21, with the malware and an associated ransomware programme called Conti, said the US officials. ALSO READ | US, UK sanction members of Russia-based Trickbot cybercrime gang for malicious activities The Trickbot group launched cyber attacks against hundreds of targets across nearly the entire US and more than 30 other countries since 2016. The malware was also reportedly used to steal bank account logins and passwords from victims’ computers to steal money from their accounts. Meanwhile, British officials said the Trickbot gang had extorted at least $180 million from people across the world. Earlier this year, one of Dunaev’s co-conspirators and a Latvian national Alla Witte, who was also a Trickbot malware developer, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit computer fraud and was sentenced to two years and eight months in prison. (With inputs from agencies)

US: Russian man pleads guilty to playing role in Trickbot malware scheme

Access to the internet on computers, tablets, and smartphones is an essential part of our lives today. Electronic devices open a stunning virtual world through the internet, but the same window also invites many massive risks that harm the data and other personal information saved on our systems.&nbsp;

"Given the constant exposure to various cyber-attacks, people frequently encounter challenges such as ransomware attacks, phishing, system intrusion, confirmed data disclosure, mobile threats, and social engineering," Maninder Bharadwaj, Global Head - Cybersecurity and Risk Management, Tech Mahindra told WION. He weighed in on the prominent challenges of shortage of skilled professionals in the cybersecurity landscape.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/google-presses-for-antitrust-action-against-rival-microsoft-reuters-664856">Google presses for antitrust action against rival Microsoft</a>&nbsp;

<h2>What should be the immediate&nbsp;focus?&nbsp;</h2>

When cyber attacks and other related incidents are rising, there's an urgent need to spread awareness about cybersecurity, which provides a fortress-like wall of defence in the digital world. It defends against hackers, malware, and all sorts of online mischief. Just like the military of a country, cybersecurity is the guardian that prevents unauthorised access and helps in keeping the virtual chaos at bay.&nbsp;

"As the frequency and complexity of cyber-attacks continue to rise, it becomes imperative to evaluate the accessibility of cybersecurity professionals and expertise," said Bharadwaj, further highlighting the need for cybersecurity and risk management.

He said that organisations around the world must continuously revisit their cybersecurity measures to defend against the onslaught.&nbsp;

A report by PWC, titled 2023 Global Digital Trust Insights, revealed that less than 40 per cent of organisations have fully addressed emerging cyber risks, emphasising the gaps in cybersecurity preparedness.&nbsp;

"One of the prominent challenges in cybersecurity today is the shortage of skilled professionals. In early 2023, about 30% of the 40,000 cybersecurity positions remained vacant due to a lack of skilled experts," Bharadwaj added.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tesla-begins-cybertruck-delivery-price-starts-from-60990-know-more-664847">Tesla begins Cybertruck delivery, price starts from $60,990</a>&nbsp;

<h2>How to tackle this situation?&nbsp;</h2>

Bharadwaj said that several strategies can be employed to bridge the gap and bolster the cybersecurity workforce worldwide. He added that developing cybersecurity talent requires industry-wide initiatives and strategies, which are crucial.

In addition to the above-mentioned, organisations must play an active role in offering opportunities for their employees to upskill and reskill, he added.&nbsp;

<h2>Cybersecurity in the age of AI&nbsp;</h2>

Experts have raised concerns that Artificial Intelligence (AI) will replace humans, but Bharadwaj argued that automation will not replace cybersecurity experts but rather enhance their capabilities by automating routine tasks.&nbsp;

He said, "Reskilling individuals with adjacent technology knowledge, such as cloud-skilled individuals becoming cloud security experts, can effectively address the skill shortage."&nbsp;

"Furthermore, collaboration between organisations and universities is key to promoting knowledge-sharing and establishing recruitment channels for new talent. This partnership can help create a continuous learning environment where cybersecurity knowledge is continually updated to keep pace with the evolving threat landscape," he said.&nbsp;

Access to the internet on computers, tablets, and smartphones is an essential part of our lives today. Electronic devices open a stunning virtual world through the internet, but the same window also invites many massive risks that harm the data and other personal information saved on our systems.

Access to the internet on computers, tablets, and smartphones is an essential part of our lives today. Electronic devices open a stunning virtual world through the internet, but the same window also invites many massive risks that harm the data and other personal information saved on our systems. "Given the constant exposure to various cyber-attacks, people frequently encounter challenges such as ransomware attacks, phishing, system intrusion, confirmed data disclosure, mobile threats, and social engineering," Maninder Bharadwaj, Global Head - Cybersecurity and Risk Management, Tech Mahindra told WION. He weighed in on the prominent challenges of shortage of skilled professionals in the cybersecurity landscape. Also read: Google presses for antitrust action against rival Microsoft What should be the immediate focus? When cyber attacks and other related incidents are rising, there's an urgent need to spread awareness about cybersecurity, which provides a fortress-like wall of defence in the digital world. It defends against hackers, malware, and all sorts of online mischief. Just like the military of a country, cybersecurity is the guardian that prevents unauthorised access and helps in keeping the virtual chaos at bay. "As the frequency and complexity of cyber-attacks continue to rise, it becomes imperative to evaluate the accessibility of cybersecurity professionals and expertise," said Bharadwaj, further highlighting the need for cybersecurity and risk management. He said that organisations around the world must continuously revisit their cybersecurity measures to defend against the onslaught. A report by PWC, titled 2023 Global Digital Trust Insights, revealed that less than 40 per cent of organisations have fully addressed emerging cyber risks, emphasising the gaps in cybersecurity preparedness. "One of the prominent challenges in cybersecurity today is the shortage of skilled professionals. In early 2023, about 30% of the 40,000 cybersecurity positions remained vacant due to a lack of skilled experts," Bharadwaj added. Also read: Tesla begins Cybertruck delivery, price starts from $60,990 How to tackle this situation? Bharadwaj said that several strategies can be employed to bridge the gap and bolster the cybersecurity workforce worldwide. He added that developing cybersecurity talent requires industry-wide initiatives and strategies, which are crucial. In addition to the above-mentioned, organisations must play an active role in offering opportunities for their employees to upskill and reskill, he added. Cybersecurity in the age of AI Experts have raised concerns that Artificial Intelligence (AI) will replace humans, but Bharadwaj argued that automation will not replace cybersecurity experts but rather enhance their capabilities by automating routine tasks. He said, "Reskilling individuals with adjacent technology knowledge, such as cloud-skilled individuals becoming cloud security experts, can effectively address the skill shortage." "Furthermore, collaboration between organisations and universities is key to promoting knowledge-sharing and establishing recruitment channels for new talent. This partnership can help create a continuous learning environment where cybersecurity knowledge is continually updated to keep pace with the evolving threat landscape," he said.

As complex cyberattacks continue to rise, what should be the world's immediate focus?

Emergency hospital rooms in at least three US states were disrupted recently, following a cyberattack that posed significant challenges for both patients and doctors.

According to CNN, all of the affected hospitals are in New Jersey, New Mexico, and Oklahoma and are owned, or partly owned, by Ardent Health Services, a Tennessee-based company that owns more than two dozen hospitals in at least five states.&nbsp;

The company revealed in a press release that the attack had shut down a significant number of its computerised services.

“In an abundance of caution, our facilities are rescheduling some non-emergent, elective procedures and diverting some emergency room patients to other area hospitals until systems are back online,” Ardent Health’s release said.

It informed that the attack had taken its network offline. The company was coordinating with law enforcement agencies as well as third-party forensic and threat intelligence advisors.

Watch: US planemaker Boeing confirms cyberattack | Boeing ransomware attack by Lockbit group

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“At this time, we cannot confirm the extent of any patient health or financial data that has been compromised,” Ardent said.

According to the USA’s Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), such cyber attacks generally take place during holidays as fewer security staff are on duty. It also advises victims of ransomware attacks to not agree to ransom demands.

“We need victims not to pay the ransom because that’s the gasoline that’s pouring on the fire,” the FBI director, Christopher Wray, said in February this year. “The more people pay, the price goes up and the more victims there are. So we have a shared common interest in not having the ransoms get paid.”

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japanese-space-agency-jaxa-hit-by-cyberattack-amid-hacking-spree-by-china-664124">Also read:&nbsp;Japanese space agency JAXA hit by cyberattack amid hacking spree by China</a>

Hospitals became targets for extortion payments in 2016, with at least 300 documented attacks annually on healthcare facilities since 2020, as reported by cybersecurity firm Recorded Future and ransomware analyst Allan Liska.&nbsp;

In June, St Margaret’s Health in Spring Valley, Illinois, had to close due in part to a cyberattack. Ardent is considered the largest health operator affected thus far. Though no patient deaths have been directly linked to attacks, studies suggest a correlation between ransomware incidents in hospitals and higher mortality rates, as noted by NBC.

(With inputs from agencies)

Emergency hospital rooms in at least three US states were disrupted recently, following a cyberattack that posed significant challenges for both patients and doctors.

Emergency hospital rooms in at least three US states were disrupted recently, following a cyberattack that posed significant challenges for both patients and doctors. According to CNN, all of the affected hospitals are in New Jersey, New Mexico, and Oklahoma and are owned, or partly owned, by Ardent Health Services, a Tennessee-based company that owns more than two dozen hospitals in at least five states. The company revealed in a press release that the attack had shut down a significant number of its computerised services. “In an abundance of caution, our facilities are rescheduling some non-emergent, elective procedures and diverting some emergency room patients to other area hospitals until systems are back online,” Ardent Health’s release said. It informed that the attack had taken its network offline. The company was coordinating with law enforcement agencies as well as third-party forensic and threat intelligence advisors. Watch: US planemaker Boeing confirms cyberattack | Boeing ransomware attack by Lockbit group × “At this time, we cannot confirm the extent of any patient health or financial data that has been compromised,” Ardent said. According to the USA’s Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), such cyber attacks generally take place during holidays as fewer security staff are on duty. It also advises victims of ransomware attacks to not agree to ransom demands. “We need victims not to pay the ransom because that’s the gasoline that’s pouring on the fire,” the FBI director, Christopher Wray, said in February this year. “The more people pay, the price goes up and the more victims there are. So we have a shared common interest in not having the ransoms get paid.” Also read: Japanese space agency JAXA hit by cyberattack amid hacking spree by China Hospitals became targets for extortion payments in 2016, with at least 300 documented attacks annually on healthcare facilities since 2020, as reported by cybersecurity firm Recorded Future and ransomware analyst Allan Liska. In June, St Margaret’s Health in Spring Valley, Illinois, had to close due in part to a cyberattack. Ardent is considered the largest health operator affected thus far. Though no patient deaths have been directly linked to attacks, studies suggest a correlation between ransomware incidents in hospitals and higher mortality rates, as noted by NBC. (With inputs from agencies)

US: Emergency hospital services disrupted in three states following cyberattack

Marina Bay Sands, a luxury resort operator in Singapore, has announced that the personal data of about 665,000 members of its shopping loyalty program has been hacked.

Singapore luxury resort hotel hit by data security breach

Aerospace giant Boeing is investigating a cyber incident that has affected its parts and distribution operations known for its defence and space contracts. Boeing confirmed this development.

US planemaker Boeing confirms cyberattack | Boeing ransomware attack by Lockbit group

Did you know that cybercrime will cost companies worldwide an estimated $10.5 trillion annually by 2025. US is the worst hit that's about 46% of the share - reported incidents of cyber attacks this year.

Will not paying ransomware stop cyberattacks? 40 countries vow not to pay ransom to cybercriminals

White House hosts counter ransomware initiative summit

The US has just fired another shot in the ongoing tech trade war with China. In a move that's making waves across the globe, the Biden administration has taken a stand to halt shipments of advanced artificial intelligence chips. But this is much more than just a trade restriction; it's a strategic chess move that could shape the future of AI and global security.

Cyberattack concerns for thousands of British businesses

The tables have now turned China's National Computer Virus Emergency Response Center and Chinese internet security specialist Kehu 360 Technologies are now claiming that they've identified many US National Security Agency Personnel responsible for launching cyber attacks. Now this is of course a leading Chinese Aviation University.

NSA's cyberattack on leading Chinese aviation university exposed

According to a report by the news agency PTI, the website of a prominent private school in the Indian city of Noida, Uttar Pradesh was hacked by an unknown group identifying itself as “Muslim hackers from Bangladesh,” on Thursday (August 10).&nbsp;

<h2>About the hack</h2>

The incident came to light on Thursday night and the local&nbsp;police&nbsp;said&nbsp;that they are yet to receive a complaint about the alleged hack.&nbsp;

“When liberty is at risk, expect us,” read a line from a message visible on the website’s homepage, as quoted by the media report. It added, “We are Bangladeshi Muslim hacker’s never try to mess our cyberspace. We oppose oppression where we are, we represent freedom, we are simple evolimion of the technological system when liberty is at risk ...expect us…”

ALSO READ |&nbsp;Indian hospital AIIMS says malware attack 'thwarted' by cybersecurity systems

The website showed the national flag of Bangladesh. The hackers signed off the message with “Joy Bangla” and “Bangladesh” written after it followed by multiple code names, said the PTI report.&nbsp;

<h2>Rise of cyberattacks in India</h2>

The incident comes weeks after cyber security firm Group-IB’s report about a hacktivist group known as “Mysterious Team Bangladesh” which has carried out several distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks since June 2022.&nbsp;

The group, which is said to be primarily driven by religious and political motives, has also attacked multiple sectors in India, the report said.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;Nearly two-thirds of India-based companies victims of ransomware attack: Report

This also comes a month after a report by Check Point, an American-Israeli software company, revealed a sharp increase in cyberattacks targeting organisations worldwide, with Indian institutions suffering a disproportionately high number of attacks.

According to the report, between January and July of this year, a single Indian organisation endured an average of 2,146 cyber attacks per week. This number significantly surpasses&nbsp;the global average of 1,239 attacks per organisation.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;More than 2,000 cyberattacks target single Indian firm a week on average: Report

The education and research sector faced the highest number of attacks per week globally, said the report by Check Point.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
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According to a report by the news agency PTI, the website of a prominent private school in the Indian city of Noida, Uttar Pradesh was hacked by an unknown group identifying itself as “Muslim hackers from Bangladesh,” on Thursday (August 10).

According to a report by the news agency PTI, the website of a prominent private school in the Indian city of Noida, Uttar Pradesh was hacked by an unknown group identifying itself as “Muslim hackers from Bangladesh,” on Thursday (August 10). About the hack The incident came to light on Thursday night and the local police said that they are yet to receive a complaint about the alleged hack. “When liberty is at risk, expect us,” read a line from a message visible on the website’s homepage, as quoted by the media report. It added, “We are Bangladeshi Muslim hacker’s never try to mess our cyberspace. We oppose oppression where we are, we represent freedom, we are simple evolimion of the technological system when liberty is at risk ...expect us…” ALSO READ | Indian hospital AIIMS says malware attack 'thwarted' by cybersecurity systems The website showed the national flag of Bangladesh. The hackers signed off the message with “Joy Bangla” and “Bangladesh” written after it followed by multiple code names, said the PTI report. Rise of cyberattacks in India The incident comes weeks after cyber security firm Group-IB’s report about a hacktivist group known as “Mysterious Team Bangladesh” which has carried out several distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks since June 2022. The group, which is said to be primarily driven by religious and political motives, has also attacked multiple sectors in India, the report said. ALSO READ | Nearly two-thirds of India-based companies victims of ransomware attack: Report This also comes a month after a report by Check Point, an American-Israeli software company, revealed a sharp increase in cyberattacks targeting organisations worldwide, with Indian institutions suffering a disproportionately high number of attacks. According to the report, between January and July of this year, a single Indian organisation endured an average of 2,146 cyber attacks per week. This number significantly surpasses the global average of 1,239 attacks per organisation. ALSO READ | More than 2,000 cyberattacks target single Indian firm a week on average: Report The education and research sector faced the highest number of attacks per week globally, said the report by Check Point. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Indian private school website hacked, Bangladesh flag posted: Report

AI-driven cyberattacks can steal your passwords with 95% accuracy. How do these password stealers work? Should you be scared? Molly Gambhir tells you more.

Gravitas: UK experts develop AI password stealer

The United States has leveled a grave accusation against China. Japanese sensitive defense networks were allegedly hacked by Chinese military hackers, according to the US National Security Agency.

Chinese cyberattack on vital Japanese defence networks

According to study, artificial intelligence may now be sufficiently developed to steal passwords simply listening to the sound of typing over Zoom and other recording devices. Researchers from the universities of Durham, Surrey, and Royal Holloway have demonstrated that microphones can detect typing patterns, which means that anyone using a laptop in public might have their typing captured and decoded.

British researchers train AI model to steal passwords

The California-based healthcare system was hit by a sever cyberattack this week. This prompted serious disruption in some services at affiliated locations with some even switching back to paper records.

US: Cyberattacks on hospitals, a growing threat! | World News | WION

A network of hospitals across the United States came under a cyberattack on Friday (Aug 5), forcing them to close down emergency rooms and divert ambulances.

Many primary care services were also shut down as the hospital administration was working to determine the extent of the damage.

Currently, it is unknown who or which group is responsible for the cyberattack.

According to local media reports, Los Angeles-based Prospect Medical Holdings, which has hospitals and clinics in Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Texas, saw its computer systems hacked by ransomware.

"Prospect Medical Holdings, Inc. recently experienced a data security incident that has disrupted our operations," the company said in a statement.

"Upon learning of this, we took our systems offline to protect them and launched an investigation with the help of third-party cybersecurity specialists. While our investigation continues, we are focused on addressing the pressing needs of our patients as we work diligently to return to normal operations as quickly as possible."

<h2>Ambulances diverted, patients re-directed to other hospitals&nbsp;</h2>

In Connecticut, the emergency departments at Manchester Memorial and Rockville General hospitals were closed for Thursday and patients were re-directed to other nearby medical centres, reports AP news agency.

“We have a national Prospect team working and evaluating the impact of the attack on all of the organisations,” Jillian Menzel, chief operating officer for the Eastern Connecticut Health Network, said in a statement.

The FBI in Connecticut in a statement said that it is working with “law enforcement partners and the victim entities” but could not comment further on an ongoing investigation.

<h2>Computers down till next week&nbsp;</h2>

In Pennsylvania, the nurses’ union at Crozer-Chester Medical System said that the hospital has reverted to a paper system because most of the computers are offline, CBS News reported.

The computers are unlikely to be back online until next week, according to the labour group, citing Prospect Medical.

Among healthcare services that were suspended include elective surgeries, outpatient appointments, blood drives and other services.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/flashback-friday-tracing-the-success-of-coffee-giant-starbucks-622338">Tracing the success of coffee giant Starbucks</a>

Though some centres reopened the emergency departments late Thursday, many primary care services were closed on Friday, the Eastern Connecticut Health Network, which runs the facilities, said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/crocodile-fatally-attacks-soccer-player-in-costa-rican-river-swims-away-with-body-later-622378">Crocodile fatally attacks soccer player in Costa Rican river, swims away with body</a>

Patients were being contacted individually, according to the network’s website, reports AP news agency.

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
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A network of hospitals across the United States came under a cyberattack on Friday (Aug 5), forcing them to close down emergency rooms and divert ambulances. Many primary care services were also shut down as the hospital administration was working to determine the extent of the damage.

A network of hospitals across the United States came under a cyberattack on Friday (Aug 5), forcing them to close down emergency rooms and divert ambulances. Many primary care services were also shut down as the hospital administration was working to determine the extent of the damage. Currently, it is unknown who or which group is responsible for the cyberattack. According to local media reports, Los Angeles-based Prospect Medical Holdings, which has hospitals and clinics in Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Texas, saw its computer systems hacked by ransomware. "Prospect Medical Holdings, Inc. recently experienced a data security incident that has disrupted our operations," the company said in a statement. "Upon learning of this, we took our systems offline to protect them and launched an investigation with the help of third-party cybersecurity specialists. While our investigation continues, we are focused on addressing the pressing needs of our patients as we work diligently to return to normal operations as quickly as possible." Ambulances diverted, patients re-directed to other hospitals In Connecticut, the emergency departments at Manchester Memorial and Rockville General hospitals were closed for Thursday and patients were re-directed to other nearby medical centres, reports AP news agency. “We have a national Prospect team working and evaluating the impact of the attack on all of the organisations,” Jillian Menzel, chief operating officer for the Eastern Connecticut Health Network, said in a statement. The FBI in Connecticut in a statement said that it is working with “law enforcement partners and the victim entities” but could not comment further on an ongoing investigation. Computers down till next week In Pennsylvania, the nurses’ union at Crozer-Chester Medical System said that the hospital has reverted to a paper system because most of the computers are offline, CBS News reported. The computers are unlikely to be back online until next week, according to the labour group, citing Prospect Medical. Among healthcare services that were suspended include elective surgeries, outpatient appointments, blood drives and other services. Also read | Tracing the success of coffee giant Starbucks Though some centres reopened the emergency departments late Thursday, many primary care services were closed on Friday, the Eastern Connecticut Health Network, which runs the facilities, said. Also read | Crocodile fatally attacks soccer player in Costa Rican river, swims away with body Patients were being contacted individually, according to the network’s website, reports AP news agency. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Hospital networks in several US states under cyberattack, essential services suspended

Indian Army has issued a warning regarding the cybersecurity threat to school-going children, which is apparently coming from Pakistan. This comes after media reported that Pakistani intelligence operatives (PIOs) were seeking information from army school students.&nbsp;

These operatives are asking the students about their parents and also quiz them to join WhatsApp groups. As quoted by reports, the Army said that since yesterday, students across the nation have been receiving calls and WhatsApp messages from PIO.&nbsp;

Quoting sources, Indian media outlet Hindustan Times reported:&nbsp;"Since Monday, students have been receiving calls and WhatsApp messages from Pakistani intelligence operatives from two numbers which are 8617321715, 962226216."&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/how-indias-most-loved-prime-minister-stunned-pakistan-in-kargil-619436">How India's 'most loved' prime minister stunned Pakistan in Kargil</a>&nbsp;

Callers reportedly pose as teachers and ask children for information such as - One Time Password&nbsp;(OTPs), in order to allow them to join WhatsApp groups. &nbsp;

They are calling and sending messages by first providing a reference to someone the youngsters know.

The official statement by the Indian Army read: "Pakistani intelligence operatives are resorting to a new kind of cyberattack, where they are focusing on school students."&nbsp;

The Army called it an "alarming trend" that needs to be addressed promptly as it highlights that such incidents have the potential to compromise national security.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-wakes-up-to-heavy-rains-after-yamuna-reaches-below-danger-mark-imd-issues-yellow-alert-619488">Delhi wakes up to heavy rains after Yamuna reaches below danger mark; IMD issues 'yellow' alert</a>&nbsp;

Students living in border regions, where cross-border infiltration efforts are more, are the prime targets of these attacks. The hackers want to take advantage of the proximity of these regions to sensitive locations as a strategic advantage in order to gain access to critical information.&nbsp;

The authorities have also advised that cybersecurity knowledge and protective measures be promoted at both the individual and institutional levels.&nbsp;

A spokesperson for the Indian Army said, "We are closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with relevant authorities to counter these cyber threats effectively. It is essential for parents and schools to educate students about responsible online behaviour and reporting any suspicious activities."

(With inputs from agencies)

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Indian Army has issued a warning regarding the cybersecurity threat to school-going children, which is apparently coming from Pakistan. This comes after media reported that Pakistani intelligence operatives (PIOs) were seeking information from army school students.

Indian Army has issued a warning regarding the cybersecurity threat to school-going children, which is apparently coming from Pakistan. This comes after media reported that Pakistani intelligence operatives (PIOs) were seeking information from army school students. These operatives are asking the students about their parents and also quiz them to join WhatsApp groups. As quoted by reports, the Army said that since yesterday, students across the nation have been receiving calls and WhatsApp messages from PIO. Quoting sources, Indian media outlet Hindustan Times reported: "Since Monday, students have been receiving calls and WhatsApp messages from Pakistani intelligence operatives from two numbers which are 8617321715, 962226216." Also read: How India's 'most loved' prime minister stunned Pakistan in Kargil Callers reportedly pose as teachers and ask children for information such as - One Time Password (OTPs), in order to allow them to join WhatsApp groups. They are calling and sending messages by first providing a reference to someone the youngsters know. The official statement by the Indian Army read: "Pakistani intelligence operatives are resorting to a new kind of cyberattack, where they are focusing on school students." The Army called it an "alarming trend" that needs to be addressed promptly as it highlights that such incidents have the potential to compromise national security. Also read: Delhi wakes up to heavy rains after Yamuna reaches below danger mark; IMD issues 'yellow' alert Students living in border regions, where cross-border infiltration efforts are more, are the prime targets of these attacks. The hackers want to take advantage of the proximity of these regions to sensitive locations as a strategic advantage in order to gain access to critical information. The authorities have also advised that cybersecurity knowledge and protective measures be promoted at both the individual and institutional levels. A spokesperson for the Indian Army said, "We are closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with relevant authorities to counter these cyber threats effectively. It is essential for parents and schools to educate students about responsible online behaviour and reporting any suspicious activities." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Pakistani intel operatives target Indian students in cyber snooping, seek information

A recent report released by Check Point, an American-Israeli software company, has revealed a sharp increase in cyberattacks targeting organisations worldwide, with Indian institutions suffering a disproportionately high number of attacks.

The <a href="https://threatpoint.checkpoint.com/ThreatPortal/threat?threatType=publication&amp;threatId=4905">report</a>&nbsp;highlights the alarming rise in cyber threats and emphasises the urgent need for enhanced cybersecurity measures, according to the Indo-Asian News Service (IANS).

<h2>Surge in cyber attacks globally</h2>

The second quarter of 2023 witnessed an eight per cent surge in global cyber attacks on a weekly basis. This increase indicates a return to a "new normal" in the cyber threat landscape, where cyber attacks have become more frequent and widespread.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/data-lab-cyber-threats-in-healthcare-digital-india-and-the-need-to-beef-up-cyber-security-601894">Data Lab | Digital India and the need to beef up cyber-security in healthcare</a>

<h2>Impact on Indian organisations</h2>

In the last six months, a single Indian organisation endured an average of 2,146 cyber attacks per week. This number significantly surpasses the global average of 1,239 attacks per organisation.

The sectors that suffered the most attacks in India were healthcare, education and research, government/military, and insurance/legal.

<h2>Education and research sector vulnerability</h2>

The education and research sector faced the highest number of attacks per week globally. This finding underscores the critical need for heightened security measures within this industry.

While the disruptive impact of the Russia-Ukraine&nbsp;conflict on the cyber landscape has diminished, cyber threats remain persistent.

The report suggests that the conflict no longer has a significant influence on the surge in cyber attacks, emphasising the importance of sustained vigilance and robust cybersecurity measures.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-finance-ministry-employee-leaks-secret-classified-info-to-pakistan-number-held-614573">India: Finance ministry employee leaks secret, classified info to Pakistan number, held</a>

<h2>Use&nbsp;of AI by cybercriminals</h2>

Cybercriminals have exploited the advancements in AI technology, particularly in generative AI chat platforms like ChatGPT4. By leveraging these platforms, cybercriminals can expand the boundaries of their malicious activities, posing an even greater threat to organisations.

Also watch |&nbsp;Cyberattacks on rise in US schools, private files leaked after school hack | World DNA

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In the second quarter of 2023, one out of every 44 organisations worldwide experienced a ransomware attack, representing a nine&nbsp;per cent decrease compared to the same period in 2022.

However, the APAC and Europe regions witnessed a significant year-over-year increase in ransomware attacks per organisation, with a 29 per cent and 21 per cent rise, respectively.

The surge in cyber attacks globally, coupled with the disproportionately high number of attacks on Indian organisations, highlights the pressing need for stronger cybersecurity measures. Despite the diminished impact of the Russia-Ukraine&nbsp;conflict, the threat landscape remains dynamic and constantly evolving.

&nbsp;

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A recent report released by Check Point, an American-Israeli software company, has revealed a sharp increase in cyberattacks targeting organisations worldwide, with Indian institutions suffering a disproportionately high number of attacks.

A recent report released by Check Point, an American-Israeli software company, has revealed a sharp increase in cyberattacks targeting organisations worldwide, with Indian institutions suffering a disproportionately high number of attacks. The report highlights the alarming rise in cyber threats and emphasises the urgent need for enhanced cybersecurity measures, according to the Indo-Asian News Service (IANS). Surge in cyber attacks globally The second quarter of 2023 witnessed an eight per cent surge in global cyber attacks on a weekly basis. This increase indicates a return to a "new normal" in the cyber threat landscape, where cyber attacks have become more frequent and widespread. Also read | Data Lab | Digital India and the need to beef up cyber-security in healthcare Impact on Indian organisations In the last six months, a single Indian organisation endured an average of 2,146 cyber attacks per week. This number significantly surpasses the global average of 1,239 attacks per organisation. The sectors that suffered the most attacks in India were healthcare, education and research, government/military, and insurance/legal. Education and research sector vulnerability The education and research sector faced the highest number of attacks per week globally. This finding underscores the critical need for heightened security measures within this industry. While the disruptive impact of the Russia-Ukraine conflict on the cyber landscape has diminished, cyber threats remain persistent. The report suggests that the conflict no longer has a significant influence on the surge in cyber attacks, emphasising the importance of sustained vigilance and robust cybersecurity measures. Also read | India: Finance ministry employee leaks secret, classified info to Pakistan number, held Use of AI by cybercriminals Cybercriminals have exploited the advancements in AI technology, particularly in generative AI chat platforms like ChatGPT4. By leveraging these platforms, cybercriminals can expand the boundaries of their malicious activities, posing an even greater threat to organisations. Also watch | Cyberattacks on rise in US schools, private files leaked after school hack | World DNA In the second quarter of 2023, one out of every 44 organisations worldwide experienced a ransomware attack, representing a nine per cent decrease compared to the same period in 2022. However, the APAC and Europe regions witnessed a significant year-over-year increase in ransomware attacks per organisation, with a 29 per cent and 21 per cent rise, respectively. The surge in cyber attacks globally, coupled with the disproportionately high number of attacks on Indian organisations, highlights the pressing need for stronger cybersecurity measures. Despite the diminished impact of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the threat landscape remains dynamic and constantly evolving. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

More than 2,000 cyberattacks target single Indian firm a week on average: Report

We often hear of cyber attacks but not only can they be extremely traumatising, they can also turn horrendous at times. Cyber criminals have been targeting schools in the United States and have been dumping the data online.

Cyberattacks on rise in US schools, private files leaked after school hack | World DNA

Data of more than 1,00,000 users of ChatGPT were leaked online, with India and Pakistan topping the list.

A new report by Group-IB, a cybersecurity leader based in Singapore, has found that as many as 1,01,134 stealer-infected devices with saved ChatGPT credentials are being sold in the dark web between June 2022 and May 2023.

Last month alone, they claimed to have found more than 26,800 ChatGPT credentials, a peak since Group-IB began tracking the data.

The Threat Intelligence Unit of the Group-IB has revealed that India (12,632), Pakistan (9,217), and Brazil (6,531) were among the top countries where users were impacted by the cyberattack.

The report further mentions that most of these credentials were traded in the Asia-Pacific region.

<h2>Raccoon malware</h2>

The researchers from the cyber firm said that the stolen ChatGPT credentials were accessed due to the popular Raccoon malware.

Just like the basic malware, Raccoon steals users’ info from their computers after they download the software, which is often disguised as an app or file that the user actually wants.

Raccoon is known to be easily available and regarded as one of the dependable malware as it maintains a healthy subscriber base, making it a popular choice among hackers.

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"Many enterprises are integrating ChatGPT into their operational flow," said Group-IB's Head of Threat Intelligence Dmitry Shestakov in a statement.

"Employees enter classified correspondences or use the bot to optimize proprietary code. Given that ChatGPT’s standard configuration retains all conversations, this could inadvertently offer a trove of sensitive intelligence to threat actors if they obtain account credentials."

Moreover, the hackers who have access to their ChatGPT accounts can also access their other accounts with the help of the malware if the users reuse the same password for multiple platforms.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/research-suggests-ai-can-predict-political-views-based-on-facial-analysis-raising-privacy-concerns-607232">Research suggests AI can predict political views based on facial analysis, raising privacy concerns</a>

And, if the target is paying for ChatGPT's premium plan, ChatGPT Plus, they may also be unwittingly paying for others to use the paid-for service as well.

<h2>Potential dangers of ChatGPT hack</h2>

Several experts have raised potential security concerns specifically relating to having a ChatGPT account compromised by hackers.

Many companies, including Google, have warned their employees not to store sensitive information in ChatGPT because that data could be used to train the AI language models.

ChatGPT has a feature that can save a user’s chat history. This was made possible after its creator OpenAI released a feature a few months ago.

And the fact that companies had to warn&nbsp;their warn employees does lend credence to the fact that it might have happened before.

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Data of more than 1,00,000 users of ChatGPT were leaked online, with India and Pakistan topping the list. A new report by Group-IB, a cybersecurity leader based in Singapore, has found that as many as 1,01,134 stealer-infected devices with saved ChatGPT credentials are being sold in the dark web between June 2022 and May 2023.

Data of more than 1,00,000 users of ChatGPT were leaked online, with India and Pakistan topping the list. A new report by Group-IB, a cybersecurity leader based in Singapore, has found that as many as 1,01,134 stealer-infected devices with saved ChatGPT credentials are being sold in the dark web between June 2022 and May 2023. Last month alone, they claimed to have found more than 26,800 ChatGPT credentials, a peak since Group-IB began tracking the data. The Threat Intelligence Unit of the Group-IB has revealed that India (12,632), Pakistan (9,217), and Brazil (6,531) were among the top countries where users were impacted by the cyberattack. The report further mentions that most of these credentials were traded in the Asia-Pacific region. Raccoon malware The researchers from the cyber firm said that the stolen ChatGPT credentials were accessed due to the popular Raccoon malware. Just like the basic malware, Raccoon steals users’ info from their computers after they download the software, which is often disguised as an app or file that the user actually wants. Raccoon is known to be easily available and regarded as one of the dependable malware as it maintains a healthy subscriber base, making it a popular choice among hackers. "Many enterprises are integrating ChatGPT into their operational flow," said Group-IB's Head of Threat Intelligence Dmitry Shestakov in a statement. "Employees enter classified correspondences or use the bot to optimize proprietary code. Given that ChatGPT’s standard configuration retains all conversations, this could inadvertently offer a trove of sensitive intelligence to threat actors if they obtain account credentials." Moreover, the hackers who have access to their ChatGPT accounts can also access their other accounts with the help of the malware if the users reuse the same password for multiple platforms. Also read | Research suggests AI can predict political views based on facial analysis, raising privacy concerns And, if the target is paying for ChatGPT's premium plan, ChatGPT Plus, they may also be unwittingly paying for others to use the paid-for service as well. Potential dangers of ChatGPT hack Several experts have raised potential security concerns specifically relating to having a ChatGPT account compromised by hackers. Many companies, including Google, have warned their employees not to store sensitive information in ChatGPT because that data could be used to train the AI language models. ChatGPT has a feature that can save a user’s chat history. This was made possible after its creator OpenAI released a feature a few months ago. And the fact that companies had to warn their warn employees does lend credence to the fact that it might have happened before. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Over 100,000 hacked ChatGPT accounts sold on dark web, India, Pak top the list

A Google-backed firm has claimed that hackers supported by China are behind a vast cyber espionage campaign targeting government agencies across the world that are of particular interest to the government in&nbsp; Beijing.

Mandiant, a cybersecurity firm, has said that these hackers have breached computer firewalls of hundreds of organisations, and have stolen "emails of prominent employees dealing in matters of interest to the Chinese government".

<h2>The loophole</h2>

The attacks involved using a loophole in a popular email security system, Barracuda software, and sending messages with malicious code, according to the report.

The cyber espionage activity was detected in May, and is believed to have started as early as October of last year.

"This is the broadest cyber espionage campaign known to be conducted by a China-nexus threat actor since the mass exploitation of Microsoft Exchange in early 2021," said Mandiant chief technology officer Charles Carmakal in its blog post.

<h2>AI: Microsoft's ticket to prosperity | World DNA</h2>

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Mandiant said it has “high confidence" that the group, referred to as UNC4841, was exploiting a software vulnerability in Barracuda Networks' Email Security Gateway and was engaged in "espionage activity in support of the People's Republic of China."

The report said the activity began as early as October 2022.

On June 6, Barracuda announced that some of its email security appliances had been hacked, giving hackers a backdoor into compromised networks. The hack is said to be so severe that the California company recommended fully replacing the appliances.

<h2>16 nations targeted </h2>

They have targeted at least 16 different countries, striking organisations in the public and private sectors worldwide, the report said.

Of those organisations, 55 per cent were from the Americas, 22 per cent from Asia Pacific and 24 per cent from Europe, the Middle East and Africa and they included foreign ministries in Southeast Asia.

Among the victims included research organisations and foreign trade missions based in Hong Kong and Taiwan—which are of high policy importance to the Chinese government—Mandiant said in its findings.

The majority of the impact in America may partially reflect the geography of Barracuda’s customer base, Mandiant said.

Barracuda released containment and remediation patches but the hacking group altered their malware to try to maintain access, Mandiant said.

“The group then countered with high frequency operations targeting a number of victims located in at least 16 different countries,” it said.

Earlier this year, Microsoft said state-backed Chinese hackers have been targeting US critical infrastructure and could be laying the technical groundwork for the potential disruption of critical communications between the U.S. and Asia during future crises.

(With inputs from agencies)

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A Google-backed firm has claimed that hackers supported by China are behind a vast cyber espionage campaign targeting government agencies across the world that are of particular interest to the government in Beijing.

A Google-backed firm has claimed that hackers supported by China are behind a vast cyber espionage campaign targeting government agencies across the world that are of particular interest to the government in Beijing. Mandiant, a cybersecurity firm, has said that these hackers have breached computer firewalls of hundreds of organisations, and have stolen "emails of prominent employees dealing in matters of interest to the Chinese government". The loophole The attacks involved using a loophole in a popular email security system, Barracuda software, and sending messages with malicious code, according to the report. The cyber espionage activity was detected in May, and is believed to have started as early as October of last year. "This is the broadest cyber espionage campaign known to be conducted by a China-nexus threat actor since the mass exploitation of Microsoft Exchange in early 2021," said Mandiant chief technology officer Charles Carmakal in its blog post. AI: Microsoft's ticket to prosperity | World DNA Mandiant said it has “high confidence" that the group, referred to as UNC4841, was exploiting a software vulnerability in Barracuda Networks' Email Security Gateway and was engaged in "espionage activity in support of the People's Republic of China." The report said the activity began as early as October 2022. On June 6, Barracuda announced that some of its email security appliances had been hacked, giving hackers a backdoor into compromised networks. The hack is said to be so severe that the California company recommended fully replacing the appliances. 16 nations targeted They have targeted at least 16 different countries, striking organisations in the public and private sectors worldwide, the report said. Of those organisations, 55 per cent were from the Americas, 22 per cent from Asia Pacific and 24 per cent from Europe, the Middle East and Africa and they included foreign ministries in Southeast Asia. Among the victims included research organisations and foreign trade missions based in Hong Kong and Taiwan—which are of high policy importance to the Chinese government—Mandiant said in its findings. The majority of the impact in America may partially reflect the geography of Barracuda’s customer base, Mandiant said. Barracuda released containment and remediation patches but the hacking group altered their malware to try to maintain access, Mandiant said. “The group then countered with high frequency operations targeting a number of victims located in at least 16 different countries,” it said. Earlier this year, Microsoft said state-backed Chinese hackers have been targeting US critical infrastructure and could be laying the technical groundwork for the potential disruption of critical communications between the U.S. and Asia during future crises. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Google-backed firm says Chinese spies launched major cyberattack targeting 16 countries

The US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) on Thursday said that several federal government agencies in the United States were hit by a global cyberattack affecting widely used software.

Eric Goldstein, the agency’s executive assistant director for cybersecurity, in a statement to CNN, said that the security agency is "providing support to several federal agencies that have experienced intrusions after the discovery of a weakness in the file transfer software MOVEit."

“We are working urgently to understand impacts and ensure timely remediation,” he added.

It is not yet clear if the Russian-speaking cyber gang, which has claimed responsibility for several cyberattacks in the past, was the one behind intrusions faced by federal agencies.

As per CNN reports, a CISA spokesperson did not comment on being asked as to who was responsible for the breaching of federal agencies and how many were affected by the hacking crusade.

As per news agency Reuters, the FBI and National Security Agency also did not immediately respond to emails seeking details on the breaches.

CISA Director Jen Easterly told MSNBC on Thursday that she was absolutely confident that there will be no significant impacts from the hacks on federal agencies.

Created by Progress Software Corp, the MOVEit tool is used to transfer files by organisations between their partners or customers.&nbsp;

John Hammond, a senior researcher at the security firm Huntress, said that this tool could also be used by financial institutions that require their customers to upload their data to apply for a loan.

"There's a whole lot of potential for what an adversary might be able to get into," he said.

The online extortion group Cl0p, which claimed responsibility for the MOVEit hack, previously had said that it would not exploit any data taken from government agencies.

"If you are a government, city or police service do not worry, we erased all your data," the group said in a statement on its website.

As per the Reuters report, Cl0p or Progress also did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) on Thursday said that several federal government agencies in the United States were hit by a global cyberattack affecting widely used software.

The US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) on Thursday said that several federal government agencies in the United States were hit by a global cyberattack affecting widely used software. Eric Goldstein, the agency’s executive assistant director for cybersecurity, in a statement to CNN, said that the security agency is "providing support to several federal agencies that have experienced intrusions after the discovery of a weakness in the file transfer software MOVEit." “We are working urgently to understand impacts and ensure timely remediation,” he added. It is not yet clear if the Russian-speaking cyber gang, which has claimed responsibility for several cyberattacks in the past, was the one behind intrusions faced by federal agencies. As per CNN reports, a CISA spokesperson did not comment on being asked as to who was responsible for the breaching of federal agencies and how many were affected by the hacking crusade. As per news agency Reuters, the FBI and National Security Agency also did not immediately respond to emails seeking details on the breaches. CISA Director Jen Easterly told MSNBC on Thursday that she was absolutely confident that there will be no significant impacts from the hacks on federal agencies. Created by Progress Software Corp, the MOVEit tool is used to transfer files by organisations between their partners or customers. John Hammond, a senior researcher at the security firm Huntress, said that this tool could also be used by financial institutions that require their customers to upload their data to apply for a loan. "There's a whole lot of potential for what an adversary might be able to get into," he said. The online extortion group Cl0p, which claimed responsibility for the MOVEit hack, previously had said that it would not exploit any data taken from government agencies. "If you are a government, city or police service do not worry, we erased all your data," the group said in a statement on its website. As per the Reuters report, Cl0p or Progress also did not immediately respond to requests for comment. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

US federal government agencies hit by global cyberattack

In an interview conducted outside of the Shangri-La Dialogue, Canada's defence minister issued a warning against persistent cyberattacks. She also mentioned that Canada is a frequent target of these attacks, which poses a serious threat to the financial stability of the world's fourth-largest crude oil producer. According to Anita Anand, cyberattacks are becoming more common in North America.

The threat of cyberattacks to Canada's oil industry

In recent days, there's been a surge in cyberattacks raising concerns about the vulnerability of digital infrastructure worldwide. This time Greece's Education Ministry has reported a major cyberattack and it is being described as the most extensive in the country's history.

Cyberattack in Greece: Education Ministry hit by major cyberattack, disrupts high school exams |WION

Consumer finance provider Latitude Financial has said that cyber-criminals have leaked the personal data of around 14 million customers, in what is being described as the biggest data breach reported in Australia.

The non-banking lending firm first reported the cyber hack on March 6, saying that 330,000 customers' information was stolen. On Monday, it acknowledged that the cyberattack was far worse than originally thought, and updated the figure to 14 million.

The stolen information consists of driver’s license numbers of customers from Australia and New Zealand, The Sydney Morning Herald newspaper reported.

In an announcement, the firm added that victims include current and former customers dating back more than 10 years, as well as applicants for its consumer credit services.

“It is hugely disappointing that such a significant number of additional customers and applicants have been affected by this incident. We apologise unreservedly,” Latitude chief executive Ahmed Fahour said in a release to the Australian Securities Exchange.

“We are committed to working closely with impacted customers and applicants to minimise the risk and disruption to them, including reimbursing the cost if they choose to replace their ID document. We are also committed to a full review of what has occurred,” Fahour added. He is due to retire on Friday.

Latitude Financial was founded in 2015 after GE Capital sold its Australian and New Zealand business to a consortium led by Deutsche Bank, KKR and Varde Partners.

Cybersecurity Minister Clare O’Neil on Monday expressed concern about the scale of information theft, and ordered the National Coordination Mechanism (NCM) to support government agencies in relation to the attack.

“The government shares the frustration and concern experienced by many citizens who fear their data may now have been stolen on multiple occasions,” she was quoted as saying by the newspaper.

The firm said that it has not detected any cyberattack on its systems since March 16. It added that it is working with the Australian Cyber Security Centre and the incident is being investigated by the Australian Federal Police.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Consumer finance provider Latitude Financial has said that cyber-criminals have leaked the personal data of around 14 million customers, in what is being described as the biggest data breach reported in Australia.

Consumer finance provider Latitude Financial has said that cyber-criminals have leaked the personal data of around 14 million customers, in what is being described as the biggest data breach reported in Australia. The non-banking lending firm first reported the cyber hack on March 6, saying that 330,000 customers' information was stolen. On Monday, it acknowledged that the cyberattack was far worse than originally thought, and updated the figure to 14 million. The stolen information consists of driver’s license numbers of customers from Australia and New Zealand, The Sydney Morning Herald newspaper reported. In an announcement, the firm added that victims include current and former customers dating back more than 10 years, as well as applicants for its consumer credit services. “It is hugely disappointing that such a significant number of additional customers and applicants have been affected by this incident. We apologise unreservedly,” Latitude chief executive Ahmed Fahour said in a release to the Australian Securities Exchange. “We are committed to working closely with impacted customers and applicants to minimise the risk and disruption to them, including reimbursing the cost if they choose to replace their ID document. We are also committed to a full review of what has occurred,” Fahour added. He is due to retire on Friday. Latitude Financial was founded in 2015 after GE Capital sold its Australian and New Zealand business to a consortium led by Deutsche Bank, KKR and Varde Partners. Cybersecurity Minister Clare O’Neil on Monday expressed concern about the scale of information theft, and ordered the National Coordination Mechanism (NCM) to support government agencies in relation to the attack. “The government shares the frustration and concern experienced by many citizens who fear their data may now have been stolen on multiple occasions,” she was quoted as saying by the newspaper. The firm said that it has not detected any cyberattack on its systems since March 16. It added that it is working with the Australian Cyber Security Centre and the incident is being investigated by the Australian Federal Police. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Australian lending firm Latitude Financial says data of 14 million customers stolen in cyberattack

Cyber security has become a huge issue in the past few years with several companies and countries falling victim&nbsp;to&nbsp; cyber attacks. Everyone who has been affected or is at risk of being affected by cyber attacks has been trying to deal with the problem. Now, a new report on cyber security has warned that in the coming two years cyber attacks might pose an unprecedented threat.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The World Economic Forum (WEF) Global Security Outlook Report 2023 has predicted that a “catastrophic cyber event" is on the way and will hit us in the "near future". WEF managing director Jeremy Jurgens, during a presentation, said that "geopolitical instability makes a catastrophic cyber event likely in the next two years". Jurgens said that the prediction comes from 93 per cent of cyber leaders, and 86 per cent of cyber business leaders. "This far exceeds anything that we’ve seen in previous surveys.”

Talking about cyber security, Jurgens referred to a recent cyberattack that aimed to shut down Ukrainian military abilities, but unexpectedly led to closing off of parts of electricity production across Europe.&nbsp;

Secretary-General of Interpol, Jürgen Stock, was also present and called it "a global threat". “It calls for a global response and enhanced and coordinated action.” He urged multiple bad “actors” who benefit from cybercrime to encourage world leaders to work together to thwart all such efforts.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-alleges-us-of-training-ukrainian-it-army-recruiting-hackers-556807">Russia accuses US of training ‘Ukrainian IT Army’</a>

Albania, one of the countries that fell prey to a massive cyberattack recently, has now been working with larger allies to fight cyber criminals. Edi Rama, Albania’s prime minister, came up with some shocking numbers at the presentation, saying that if cybercrime was a state, it would be the third largest global economy after the US and China. Rama said that the cybercrime industry stood at $3 trillion in 2015 and is expected to grow to $10.5 trillion in 2025.&nbsp;

Rama compared the predicted cyberattack to a virus like Covid-19 and how it can turn to an "apocalypse".

“Let’s imagine an exponential multitude of viruses that mutate everyday exponentially while not threatening our body, but the bodies we live in, our organisations, our countries, our system, then, you know, it could be just apocalypse. It’s about viruses that can not only block our way of living, but can control it and deviate it.”

(With inputs from agencies)

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Cyber security has become a huge issue in the past few years with several companies and countries falling victim to cyber attacks. Everyone who has been affected or is at risk of being affected by cyber attacks has been trying to deal with the problem.

Cyber security has become a huge issue in the past few years with several companies and countries falling victim to cyber attacks. Everyone who has been affected or is at risk of being affected by cyber attacks has been trying to deal with the problem. Now, a new report on cyber security has warned that in the coming two years cyber attacks might pose an unprecedented threat. The World Economic Forum (WEF) Global Security Outlook Report 2023 has predicted that a “catastrophic cyber event" is on the way and will hit us in the "near future". WEF managing director Jeremy Jurgens, during a presentation, said that "geopolitical instability makes a catastrophic cyber event likely in the next two years". Jurgens said that the prediction comes from 93 per cent of cyber leaders, and 86 per cent of cyber business leaders. "This far exceeds anything that we’ve seen in previous surveys.” Talking about cyber security, Jurgens referred to a recent cyberattack that aimed to shut down Ukrainian military abilities, but unexpectedly led to closing off of parts of electricity production across Europe. Secretary-General of Interpol, Jürgen Stock, was also present and called it "a global threat". “It calls for a global response and enhanced and coordinated action.” He urged multiple bad “actors” who benefit from cybercrime to encourage world leaders to work together to thwart all such efforts. Also Read | Russia accuses US of training ‘Ukrainian IT Army’ Albania, one of the countries that fell prey to a massive cyberattack recently, has now been working with larger allies to fight cyber criminals. Edi Rama, Albania’s prime minister, came up with some shocking numbers at the presentation, saying that if cybercrime was a state, it would be the third largest global economy after the US and China. Rama said that the cybercrime industry stood at $3 trillion in 2015 and is expected to grow to $10.5 trillion in 2025. Rama compared the predicted cyberattack to a virus like Covid-19 and how it can turn to an "apocalypse". “Let’s imagine an exponential multitude of viruses that mutate everyday exponentially while not threatening our body, but the bodies we live in, our organisations, our countries, our system, then, you know, it could be just apocalypse. It’s about viruses that can not only block our way of living, but can control it and deviate it.” (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

An 'apocalypse': Report warns of a 'catastrophic cyber event' in next two years

Sources familiar with Taiwan's national security affairs said that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has been behind a scheme of using an "internet water army" to attack President Tsai Ing-wen's and former Premier Su Tseng-chang's Facebook accounts.

Taiwan: China using internet water army

On Wednesday, thousands of flights in the United States were grounded due to what was earlier believed to be a 'technical snag' but further investigation "traced the outage to a damaged database file". As per the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) normal operations were being restored, however, the early morning halt affected the plans of thousands of travellers looking to travel in about 9,000 plus flights.&nbsp;

Here's what happened:

Airlines across the country reported an error that caused them to ground and/or delay domestic flights due to an outage of the NOTAM (Notice to Air Missions) system.

In a tweet, on Wednesday the FAA said that their "preliminary work has traced the outage to a damaged database file."

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Update 6: We are continuing a thorough review to determine the root cause of the Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) system outage. Our preliminary work has traced the outage to a damaged database file. At this time, there is no evidence of a cyber attack. (1/2)
— The FAA ✈️ (@FAANews) <a href="https://twitter.com/FAANews/status/1613317775132336129?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2023</a></blockquote>
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After a while, the authority switched to a backup, however, the corrupt file was found to be present there as well.

Watch |&nbsp;US flights resume after FAA system outage, over 4300 flights delayed

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Was it a malicious attack?

Talking to CNN, the aviation authority said that it was still trying to determine the cause; whether it was a person or a "routine entry" into the database was responsible for the corrupted file.

Was it a cyberattack?

US officials have denied reports that a cyberattack could be behind the massive outage. As per Reuters, they claim to have found no evidence of such an attack.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/more-than-400-flights-affected-across-us-after-faa-experiences-major-outage-551578">FAA says system restored after more than 4,300 flights grounded due to technical snag</a>

Talking to MSNBC, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said that there was no evidence of any "nefarious" causes of the outage. However, he said that at this time it could not be completely ruled out.

What is NOTAM?

The NOTAM system keeps flight crews abreast with information about any changes to airport facilities, hazards and other essential procedures. However, on Wednesday the processing of NOTAM was reportedly "impaired".

How many flights were affected?

As per estimates by flight tracking website Flight Aware, by 7 am US Eastern time (or 12 pm GMT) at least 1,230 flights were delayed. As per the website's data, by the time the system was reset around 2 am on Thursday, more than 9,800 flights had been delayed and around 900 cancelled.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/which-computer-glitch-led-to-us-flights-cancellations-notam-failure-explained-airlines-updates-so-far-551641">Which computer glitch led to US flights cancellations? NOTAM failure explained &amp; Airlines' updates so far</a>

What steps did the FAA take?

Initially, the Federal Aviation Administration said it was working to restore the NOTAM system, however, later, the authority ordered to pause of all domestic flights till 9 am.

Is this the first time such an order was announced?

As per AFP, previously such a broad command was issued during the horrendous 9/11 attacks.

 
(With inputs from agencies)

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On Wednesday, thousands of flights in the United States were grounded due to what was earlier believed to be a 'technical snag' but further investigation "traced the outage to a damaged database file".

On Wednesday, thousands of flights in the United States were grounded due to what was earlier believed to be a 'technical snag' but further investigation "traced the outage to a damaged database file". As per the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) normal operations were being restored, however, the early morning halt affected the plans of thousands of travellers looking to travel in about 9,000 plus flights. Here's what happened: Airlines across the country reported an error that caused them to ground and/or delay domestic flights due to an outage of the NOTAM (Notice to Air Missions) system. In a tweet, on Wednesday the FAA said that their "preliminary work has traced the outage to a damaged database file." Update 6: We are continuing a thorough review to determine the root cause of the Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) system outage. Our preliminary work has traced the outage to a damaged database file. At this time, there is no evidence of a cyber attack. (1/2) — The FAA ✈️ (@FAANews) January 11, 2023 × After a while, the authority switched to a backup, however, the corrupt file was found to be present there as well. Watch | US flights resume after FAA system outage, over 4300 flights delayed Was it a malicious attack? Talking to CNN, the aviation authority said that it was still trying to determine the cause; whether it was a person or a "routine entry" into the database was responsible for the corrupted file. Was it a cyberattack? US officials have denied reports that a cyberattack could be behind the massive outage. As per Reuters, they claim to have found no evidence of such an attack. Also read | FAA says system restored after more than 4,300 flights grounded due to technical snag Talking to MSNBC, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said that there was no evidence of any "nefarious" causes of the outage. However, he said that at this time it could not be completely ruled out. What is NOTAM? The NOTAM system keeps flight crews abreast with information about any changes to airport facilities, hazards and other essential procedures. However, on Wednesday the processing of NOTAM was reportedly "impaired". How many flights were affected? As per estimates by flight tracking website Flight Aware, by 7 am US Eastern time (or 12 pm GMT) at least 1,230 flights were delayed. As per the website's data, by the time the system was reset around 2 am on Thursday, more than 9,800 flights had been delayed and around 900 cancelled. Also read | Which computer glitch led to US flights cancellations? NOTAM failure explained & Airlines' updates so far What steps did the FAA take? Initially, the Federal Aviation Administration said it was working to restore the NOTAM system, however, later, the authority ordered to pause of all domestic flights till 9 am. Is this the first time such an order was announced? As per AFP, previously such a broad command was issued during the horrendous 9/11 attacks. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Explained: How a corrupted file brought US aviation to its knees

The U.S. struggled with an hours-long ground stop, as the FAA scrambled to fix a system outage. America has ruled out a cyberattack, but president Joe Biden has still ordered an investigation into the matter. Molly Gambhir tells you more.

Gravitas: U.S. Aviation came to a standstill

There has been a 'ransomware' attack on AIIMS server. European Parliament's website has been attacked too. Is the world prepared to fight a cyber war? Listen in to Molly Gambhir.

Gravitas | 'Ransomware' attack on AIIMS server: Is the world prepared to fight a cyber war?

The small archipelago of the South Pacific Ocean, Vanuata, was attacked by ransomware on 4&nbsp;November, Friday and stranded the country for over a week. According to civil servants in the&nbsp;government, they noticed that their official emails started bouncing back from government addresses,&nbsp;this was the first sign when they found that something was wrong.

The attack that bring the Vanuta government to a halt for 11 days, forced some of their workers to use pen and paper while causing widespread delays across the island nation. The officials were not able to access emails and all the internal systems.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pacific-ocean-island-nation-turns-to-metaverse-as-climate-change-threatens-existence-534392">Pacific Ocean island nation to build country on metaverse as climate change threatens existence</a>

The ransomware also disabled the websites of the island's parliament, police, and prime minister's&nbsp;office; by taking down the intranet and online databases of schools and hospitals, it bring the&nbsp;island nation to a standstill. The country with a population of about 315,000 people, stranded many&nbsp;across several islands to carry out their basic tasks like paying taxes, invoicing bills, and getting&nbsp;licences, and travel visas.

Instead of electronic transfers, people were paid through cheques. Some civil servants even told 
the agencies that they had to run from one department to another department&nbsp;to get the relevant checks 
and signatures on a single application.

Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SLJG3-yImgA">WION Business News | Australia: One cyber attack every seven minutes</a>

It's unclear how the attack took place&nbsp;and what protections Vanuatu had in place currently.&nbsp;Experts have noted the whole system was centralised and hosted on the government's own servers, which is a fundamental security flaw. The island nation has already sent requests for an upgrade 
to their systems to the concerned authorities, but for the&nbsp;time being, neighbouring Australia is helping it to rebuild&nbsp;its network.&nbsp;

In recent years, Vanuata has become one of the Pacific islands that are closest to China. It was the Chinese investments on which&nbsp;its parliament house building, sporting stadium, and convention centre were built. Although, its neighbour, Australia, has been Vanuatu's&nbsp;largest aid donor and closest security partner for over four years.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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The small archipelago of the South Pacific Ocean, Vanuata, was attacked by ransomware on 4 November, Friday and stranded the country for over a week. According to civil servants in the government, they noticed that their official emails started bouncing back from government addresses, this was the first sign when they found that something was wrong.

The small archipelago of the South Pacific Ocean, Vanuata, was attacked by ransomware on 4 November, Friday and stranded the country for over a week. According to civil servants in the government, they noticed that their official emails started bouncing back from government addresses, this was the first sign when they found that something was wrong. The attack that bring the Vanuta government to a halt for 11 days, forced some of their workers to use pen and paper while causing widespread delays across the island nation. The officials were not able to access emails and all the internal systems. Also Read | Pacific Ocean island nation to build country on metaverse as climate change threatens existence The ransomware also disabled the websites of the island's parliament, police, and prime minister's office; by taking down the intranet and online databases of schools and hospitals, it bring the island nation to a standstill. The country with a population of about 315,000 people, stranded many across several islands to carry out their basic tasks like paying taxes, invoicing bills, and getting licences, and travel visas. Instead of electronic transfers, people were paid through cheques. Some civil servants even told the agencies that they had to run from one department to another department to get the relevant checks and signatures on a single application. Watch | WION Business News | Australia: One cyber attack every seven minutes It's unclear how the attack took place and what protections Vanuatu had in place currently. Experts have noted the whole system was centralised and hosted on the government's own servers, which is a fundamental security flaw. The island nation has already sent requests for an upgrade to their systems to the concerned authorities, but for the time being, neighbouring Australia is helping it to rebuild its network. In recent years, Vanuata has become one of the Pacific islands that are closest to China. It was the Chinese investments on which its parliament house building, sporting stadium, and convention centre were built. Although, its neighbour, Australia, has been Vanuatu's largest aid donor and closest security partner for over four years. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Vanuatu island hit by ransom attack, cripples government

In the case of suspected cyberattack, the tire-maker Continental, it is investigating theft of company data. However, company declined to comment so far on reports that hackers had put up any information for sale

World Business Watch: Continental investigates cyberattack; data up for sale for $50 mn, say reports

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