Over the past several years, the energy sector has become a prime target for hacking and ransomware attacks, with over 40 attacks on the industry since 2017. Cyber attacks have only continued to rise, with a record high of 13 reported attacks in one year occurring in 2022.
Physical Security Threats to U.S. Energy Infrastructure
A new type of threat against the energy sector crystallized at the end of 2022: physical attacks on the grid. … More
On March 24, 2022, the Department of Justice unsealed two indictments charging four Russian government employees in two hacking campaigns that targeted critical infrastructure in the energy sector. We cover these indictments in depth here. Concurrently, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Department of Energy (DOE) jointly published a Cybersecurity Advisory (CSA) relating to the hacks.… More
The United States Department of Justice unsealed two indictments in March involving four Russian government employees who have been charged in connection with two separate hacking conspiracies targeting the global energy sector. These campaigns took place between 2012 and 2018 and affected thousands of computers, hundreds of organizations, and approximately 135 countries.
These indictments were unsealed just days after President Joe Biden publicly warned US business executives that Russia is exploring using cyberattacks as part of its offensive strategy during its continued attacks on Ukraine. … More
The Growing Threat of Ransomware
According to media reports, ransomware attacks against the manufacturing industry have more than tripled compared with last year. This dramatic rise in cyberattacks poses serious concerns about the vulnerability of critical energy infrastructure serving the nation’s electric grid and the government has responded with measures designed to thwart any such efforts.
In the manufacturing sector, a ransomware attack typically involves blocking access to a victim’s computer files.… More
On October 6, 2020, the Department of Homeland Security (“DHS”) released a 2020 Homeland Threat Assessment (“HTA”). According to Acting Secretary Chad F. Wolf, the “first of its kind report” identifies the primary threats facing the nation and analyzes the vast array of information coming from all DHS operational components that crosses his desk on a daily basis. “When the American people read this HTA they will be more aware of the traditional threats facing the Homeland like terrorism and organized crime. … More