By Ashwani Mishra, Editor-Technology, 63SATS
The Indian Army plans to recruit domain experts in cybersecurity and IT for modernization, as global cyber threats escalate with ransomware attacks hitting supply chains, Chinese hackers infiltrating U.S. infrastructure, and the UK countering AI-driven risks with a new security lab.
Stay updated with the latest news and developments in the cyber world.
Indian Army to Recruit Domain Experts for a Future-Ready Force
The Indian Army has announced plans to induct domain specialists into its regular cadre as part of a strategic overhaul to enhance technological and operational capabilities. Deputy Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Rakesh Kapoor highlighted this initiative, aligning it with insights drawn from global conflicts.
Experts in information warfare, cybersecurity, linguistics, and IT will be recruited at officer and NCO levels to modernize the force. This marks a pivotal shift towards preparing for the complexities of modern warfare.
Ransomware Attack Hits Blue Yonder, Disrupting UK Grocery Chains
Blue Yonder, a software supply-chain company serving Fortune 500 clients, confirmed a ransomware attack that disrupted its private cloud services. The breach, occurring on November 21, 2024, affected major UK grocery chains, including Morrisons, which reported disruptions in supply operations.
While the company works to mitigate the impact, it has not disclosed which U.S. clients were affected. Blue Yonder stated it is making “steady progress” but provided no timeline for full recovery.
U.S. Cyber Command Warns of Chinese Hackers Preparing for Conflict
Chinese hackers have infiltrated critical U.S. infrastructure, positioning themselves to execute disruptive attacks in case of conflict, warns Morgan Adamski of U.S. Cyber Command. Their tactics include compromising IT networks and targeting essential systems like energy and water controls.
These operations reflect an escalating cyber threat landscape where national infrastructure becomes a battleground.
UK Unveils AI Security Lab to Counter Russian Cyber Threats
At the NATO Cyber Defence Conference in London, Cabinet Office Minister Pat McFadden announced the establishment of the Laboratory for AI Security Research (LASR). With an initial £8.22 million government investment, LASR aims to counter AI-driven cyber threats and bolster NATO allies’ defenses.
The lab will unite experts from industry, academia, and government to create advanced cybersecurity tools and harness AI for intelligence analysis.
Weak Passwords, VPN Vulnerabilities Drive Ransomware Surge: Corvus Report
Corvus Insurance’s Q3 2024 Cyber Threat Report revealed that weak passwords and unpatched VPN vulnerabilities accounted for nearly 30% of ransomware incidents. The report tracked 1,257 ransomware victims in Q3, with five groups, including RansomHub and LockBit 3.0, responsible for 40% of attacks.
Key issues include outdated software and a lack of multi-factor authentication, which enabled brute-force attacks on exposed systems.
