In the ever-evolving world of technology, cybersecurity remains a critical concern for organisations, governments, and individuals. With cyber threats constantly on the rise, staying informed about the latest news and developments in the field is essential for maintaining digital safety. In this blog post, we will explore the top cybersecurity news stories from this week, shedding light on significant events, and noteworthy security incidents.
This week’s top stories include news of a UK based nuclear site being hacked by groups linked to Russia and China, significant supply-chain related ransomware attacks, and breaking news that British MPs have been targeted by international hackers.
Sellafield Nuclear Site Hacked by Groups Linked to Russia and China
This week, in a rapidly developing story, it was revealed by The Guardian that the UK’s most hazardous nuclear site, Sellafield, has been allegedly hacked by cyber groups closely linked to Russia and China. The investigation revealed that both the disclosure and its potential effects had been consistently covered up by senior staff. Whilst it’s a story that continues to develop, the allegations have ignited significant conversation around both nation state attacks and cyber incident reporting and disclosure.
Tipalti Investigates Claims of Data Stolen in Ransomware Attack
Finance automation solution Tipalti is currently probing allegations of a network breach by the ALPHV ransomware gang, which reportedly resulted in the pilfering of 256 GB of data. This dataset encompasses information related to prominent platforms such as Roblox and Twitch. Tipalti specialises in providing technological solutions for accounting, payment processing, eCommerce, as well as affiliate and influencer programs.
Ransomware attacks are on the rise. It’s important that organisations know the basics of ransomware in order to protect themselves properly.
Multiple US Credit Unions Affected After Ransomware Infects Backend Cloud Outfit
A cyberattack involving ransomware at an unnamed cloud-based IT provider has caused service disruptions for approximately 60 credit unions throughout the United States. These credit unions were dependent on the compromised vendor for functionality. The National Credit Union Administration (NCUA), responsible for regulating and insuring these financial organisations, is actively addressing the situation and working to mitigate the impact on the affected credit unions.
Supply chain attacks, like this one, are becoming increasingly common. Third parties are susceptible to attacks due to the vast number of companies they work with and, in turn, the sheer amount of data they have.
Cyberattacks Leave US Hospitals Asking for Additional Funding
In response to a series of cyberattacks that redirected ambulances away from US hospitals, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has revealed a comprehensive strategy to increase federal funding for underserved rural hospitals with inadequate cybersecurity measures. The initiative also involves the implementation of more stringent fines for insufficient security practices at healthcare providers.
The HHS plan reflects an acknowledgment that the current situation, marked by frequent cyberattacks disrupting healthcare services in the United States, is unsustainable. It underscores the imperative for federal officials and healthcare executives to take substantial measures to address and combat the escalating cybersecurity challenges in the healthcare sector. One such measure could be implementing asset discovery tools.
A Fifth of UK Businesses Victims of Cyberattacks in Past Year
According to research conducted by Aviva, one in five businesses fell prey to a cyberattack in the past year, highlighting a significant vulnerability in the corporate landscape. Shockingly, only 17% of small businesses had implemented a cyber insurance policy.
The survey, encompassing over 1,200 businesses across various sizes and industries in the UK, brought to light that businesses were 67% more prone to encountering a cyber incident than a physical theft. Furthermore, the results indicated that firms were nearly five times as likely to have experienced a cyberattack as opposed to a fire.
These findings underscore the pressing need for businesses, especially smaller ones, to bolster their cybersecurity measures and consider the implementation of dedicated cyber insurance policies to mitigate the growing threat of cyber threats and attacks.
Russian spies targeting UK MPs and media with ‘cyber interference’
A Foreign Office minister has disclosed that Russian intelligence operatives have been engaging in cyber-hacking activities since 2015, specifically targeting British Members of Parliament (MPs), peers, civil servants, journalists, and other individuals. This cyber campaign is identified as a deliberate and coordinated effort to meddle in British politics, raising concerns about the extent and impact of foreign interference in the country's political landscape.
In today's ever-changing landscape, staying well-informed about the latest advancements in the industry remains incredibly important. By staying up to date with relevant news, leaders can make informed decisions, proactively implement security measures, and effectively shield their organisations from cyberattacks. Maintaining a vigilant mindset, embracing best practices, and leveraging cutting-edge technologies are all crucial components in building a secure digital future. Let's embrace these principles to safeguard our digital assets and pave the way for a safer tomorrow.