TechLetters #84 - Cyber vs Lithuania. Politician sacked for cyberattack on Norwegian parliament. Starlink as critical infrastructure. Geneva filled with spies?

Security

Cyberattack on Lithuanian systems, including government ones. Alleged Russian (non-government?) response to a railway blockade to Königsberg. It seems to be a non-event with little to no impact. Also the reckless tweet by Lithuanian ministry of defence vice-minister who said that there’s a war between Russia and the West (there is not):

Margiris Abukevicius @AbukeviciusM

11 days #Lithuania has been under intensive #DDoS attack from #Russia. With very limited success. It is a part of long-lasting 🇷🇺 cyber war against the West. Attribution is clear, will work with partners to give a diplomatic response and to hold those responsible accountable

Google/Cloud is automating Security Operations Centers? Out of existence? Well, not quite. While automating common markers (ATT&CK) of cyber operations is impressive, field-task operators remain crucial in many cases. Especially against resourced adversaries.

One of the largest US book publishers Macmillan infected. With ransomware. IT systems down, offices closed.

British army social media accounts hijacked. To popularise NFTs…

Ministry of Defence Press Office @DefenceHQPress

We are aware of a breach of the Army’s Twitter and YouTube accounts and an investigation is underway. The Army takes information security extremely seriously and is resolving the issue. Until their investigation is complete it would be inappropriate to comment further.

Privacy

Data breach = politician is out. The Secretary General of the Norwegian parliament resigned after the parliament was hacked by Russia and the Norwegian data protection authority fined the parliament got a $205,000 #GDPR fine for negligence

Technology Policy

Starlink now became part of critical infrastructure. Who knows, where this leads. That depends on their perspectives. We shall see.

Other

Cyber in conflicts, and more. Report of Swiss intelligence service. "In conflicts in general and in warfare in particular, cyber activities are always to be expected. Cyber espionage for the purposes of carrying out reconnaissance of the opposing party is an integral part of the capabilities of any relevant power." "Non-state actors, especially technology companies, are playing an increasing role in modern conflicts. Elon Musk provided Ukraine with 10,000 terminals for accessing Starlink satellites. Microsoft have been working closely with the Ukrainian government and cyber security". "New technologies such as mRNA vaccines make it possible to prepare a biological attack in such a way that one's own side receives adequate protection in advance. This applies not just to people but also, for example, to the agriculture sector."

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