By Ashwani Mishra, Editor-Technology, 63SATS
A recent wave of cyber incidents has struck various sectors, underscoring the growing complexity of digital threats.
Halliburton, a major US oil company, was hit by a significant cyberattack that disrupted global operations. Simultaneously, a report by Malwarebytes reveals a surge in ransomware attacks targeting organizations in the early morning hours, catching IT teams off guard. The British Library is investing £400,000 to rebuild its digital infrastructure after a devastating ransomware attack, while Microchip Technology’s manufacturing operations have been severely impacted by a cyber breach. These events highlight the urgent need for enhanced cybersecurity measures across all industries.
Stay informed with our brief guide to the latest in cybersecurity. Keep up with the ever-changing landscape of cyber threats and advancements.
US Oil Giant Halliburton Hit by Major Cyberattack
Halliburton, the world’s second-largest oilfield services company, has suffered a significant cyberattack targeting its cloud-based systems. The breach led to the company instructing its staff to disconnect from the network as a precaution. While Halliburton initially did not comment on the incident, sources reveal that the attack disrupted global connectivity and operations at the company’s North Belt campus in Houston.
Ransomware Attacks Surge During Early Morning Hours
A new report by Malwarebytes reveals that most ransomware attacks now occur between 1am and 5am, targeting organizations when IT staff are least likely to respond. The 2024 State of Ransomware Report indicates that cybercriminals strategically choose these hours to catch cybersecurity teams off guard, maximizing the potential damage.
British Library Unveils £400,000 Plan Post-Ransomware Attack
The British Library is moving forward with a £400,000 project to rebuild its digital infrastructure after a devastating ransomware attack in October 2023. Described as one of the worst cyber incidents in British history, the attack crippled the library’s website and archives. The new plan aims to ensure the library’s systems are robust, scalable, and secure.
Data Privacy Advocates Challenge EU Parliament Over Data Breach
Austrian privacy group NOYB has filed complaints against the European Parliament, alleging insufficient protection of employee data following a breach that exposed sensitive information, including passports and criminal records. The breach affected over 8,000 staff members and has sparked concerns about the EU Parliament’s data security practices.
Cyberattack Disrupts Microchip Technology’s Manufacturing Operations
Microchip Technology, a leading US semiconductor manufacturer, has reported a cyberattack that disrupted its server operations and slowed down manufacturing processes. The breach, discovered on August 17, led to the company isolating affected systems and launching an investigation. The incident has impacted the company’s ability to fulfill orders, highlighting the vulnerability of critical manufacturing infrastructure.
Security Weaknesses Found in UK Political Party Donation Platforms
Researchers from DataDome have uncovered significant security flaws in the donation platforms of the UK’s major political parties. The vulnerabilities could expose donor information to bot attacks and credential stuffing, putting sensitive personal and financial data at risk. These security gaps raise concerns about the protection of donor information and the potential for financial fraud.
