Russia’s cyberattacks could impact the world’s energy sector

Security experts are concerned about the incessant cyberattacks from Russia as their war with Ukraine has yet to cease, which they fear could affect the energy sector globally. The National Security Agency’s (NSA) cyber director was particularly concerned about this matter, saying that the sector must not be complacent about potential threats posed by the attacks.

As stressed by NSA, Russia could be pressured to evaluate their attack tactics as the war progresses and execute different strategies to extricate itself from the situation. Since the Ukraine-Russia war began, at least seven new data wiper strains have been launched by state-backed groups. Thus, it could be considered that cyberspace is a critical area involved in the war.

 

Numerous sectors worldwide have been impacted by the ongoing war, including the global energy sector.

 

Russia had been attacking more sectors beyond Ukraine, with the state-backed threat groups observed targeting the defence industrial base, energy sector, and even the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

In April 2022, reports about the US energy sector rapidly targeted by hacks emerged. This advisory was broadcasted by the US Department of Energy and intelligence agencies, underlining new malware variants that target systems controlling electricity and natural gas infrastructure.

Furthermore, the advisory is once again associated with Russia’s cyberattacks and its enhanced attack methods that they use for accessing, disrupting, and destroying energy firms’ operational equipment.

Energy companies are advised to implement fundamental industrial control systems (ICS) security measures to protect them against damaging attacks. The increasing integration of operational and information technology has created critical vulnerabilities within the energy sector; thus, improving cybersecurity is strongly recommended.

Many companies and organisations were compelled to invest in robust cybersecurity because of the escalating cyberattacks during the Ukraine-Russia war. Cybersecurity solutions and security experts were also pushed to improve their services to protect clients against attack risks.