TechLetters #34 - cybersecurity at UN, cyberattacks attributed, more ransomware, AI-assisted kinetic missiles are here
Security
Cybersecurity at UN. On Tuesday, the United Nations Security Council held a first-in-history formal session dedicated to cyberattacks. “malicious activities in cyberspace and their impact on international peace and security” (link).
Weekly ransomware. “The average cost of a ransomware attack that a company has to face is $133,000. In 2021 ransomware attacks are estimated to cost $6 trillion annually” (report). “Although it is a societal problem, cyber insurers have received considerable criticism for facilitating ransom payments to cybercriminals. These add fuel to the fire by incentivising cybercriminals’ engagement in ransomware operations and enabling existing operators to invest in and expand their capabilities” (report2).
More cyberattacks. Services of USA and UK attributed a campaign of cyberattacks to Russian GRU (brute-force via Kubernetes clusters). Many targeted accounts hacked (link).
Ransomware delivered via security product. Hundreds of companies hit with ransomware as a consequence of a supply-chain compromise of Kaseya, security product vendor ("Automate software patch management and vulnerability management…") Users get some REvil hits. Swedish supermarket chain Coop (20% of grocery/food market in the country) was hit with secondary effects (payment terminals not working, stores closed) (official advisory, reddit thread)
Other
AI warfare. AI-assisted, sensor-equipped missiles? Yes, they’re already with us.
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