Energy sector turns prime target for cyber attacks: Seqrite-DSCI report

Hyderabad

The ability and vitality sector has grow to be a prime target for cybercriminals, accounting for 29 per cent of all malware detections in 2024, in accordance with a report by cybersecurity options firm Seqrite.

Over 15,000 malware detections had been recorded throughout 2,132 endpoints within the sector, indicating a excessive degree of focused assaults. This interprets to a median of seven detections per endpoint, highlighting the persistent and complicated nature of those threats.

“This alarming statistic highlights the sector’s vulnerability and its attractiveness to menace actors in search of to compromise vital nationwide infrastructure,” the report, which was collectively ready with the Knowledge Safety Council of India (DSCI), mentioned.

Essentially the most prevalent malware recognized within the sector was LNK.RaspRobin.48713, a very insidious menace that spreads by way of malicious shortcut (.lnk) recordsdata on detachable media corresponding to USB drives. 

“This malware establishes connections to exterior servers, enabling it to obtain extra malicious payloads and set up persistence on contaminated methods,” it mentioned.

The prevalence of malware within the energy and vitality sector is very regarding resulting from its propagation methodology. Using detachable media as an assault vector poses a big threat in operational environments the place USB drives are generally used to switch knowledge between air-gapped methods.

keep secure?

To remain secure, organisations on this sector should implement superior endpoint detection and response (EDR) options, conduct common cybersecurity consciousness coaching for staff, and develop strong incident response plans.

“Strict insurance policies must be enforced relating to using detachable media, and community segmentation must be applied to isolate vital methods from doubtlessly compromised networks,” the repot mentioned.