Cyber threat news
Here are some recent cyber threat news stories:
Ransomware Attacks
- Colonial Pipeline Ransomware Attack: In May 2021, the Colonial Pipeline Company, which operates the largest fuel pipeline in the US, was hit by a ransomware attack. The attack caused the company to shut down its operations, leading to gas shortages and price increases along the East Coast. The attackers, believed to be a group called DarkSide, demanded a ransom of $4.4 million in Bitcoin. (Source: CNN)
- JBS Meatpacking Ransomware Attack: In June 2021, JBS SA, a Brazilian meatpacking company, was hit by a ransomware attack. The attack caused the company to shut down its operations in the US, Canada, and Australia, leading to meat shortages and price increases. The attackers, believed to be a group called Sodinokibi, demanded a ransom of $11 million in Bitcoin. (Source: Reuters)
Data Breaches
- T-Mobile Data Breach: In August 2021, T-Mobile announced that it had suffered a data breach, exposing the personal information of over 48 million customers. The breach was caused by a vulnerability in the company's website, which allowed hackers to access customer data. (Source: The Verge)
- Microsoft Exchange Server Vulnerability: In March 2021, Microsoft announced that it had discovered a vulnerability in its Exchange Server software, which allowed hackers to access email accounts and steal sensitive information. The vulnerability, known as "ProxyLogon," was exploited by hackers, leading to widespread attacks on organizations around the world. (Source: The New York Times)
Nation-State Attacks
- SolarWinds Hack: In December 2020, it was revealed that the US government had been hacked by Russian intelligence agents using a vulnerability in the SolarWinds software. The hack, known as "Solorigate," allowed the attackers to access sensitive information and disrupt government operations. (Source: The Washington Post)
- Iranian Hackers Target US Government Agencies: In June 2021, it was reported that Iranian hackers had targeted several US government agencies, including the Department of Defense and the Department of State. The attacks were believed to be in retaliation for the US killing of Iranian military leader Qasem Soleimani in January 2020. (Source: The Hill)
Other Cyber Threats
- Cryptocurrency Heists: In June 2021, hackers stole over $600 million in cryptocurrency from the Poly Network, a decentralized finance (DeFi) platform. The attack was believed to be one of the largest cryptocurrency heists in history. (Source: Coindesk)
- IoT Botnets: In May 2021, researchers discovered a massive IoT botnet, known as "IoT Reaper," which had infected over 500,000 devices around the world. The botnet was used to launch DDoS attacks and steal sensitive information. (Source: ZDNet)
These are just a few examples of the many cyber threat news stories that have been reported in recent months. As the threat landscape continues to evolve, it's essential for individuals and organizations to stay informed and take steps to protect themselves against these threats.