Recent Cyber Attacks 2024
Cyber attacks have become more prevalent, affecting businesses and individuals in recent years. The rapid growth of technology has given rise to new vulnerabilities, providing attackers with more opportunities to exploit weaknesses in systems and networks. Cybercriminals are constantly finding new ways to wreak havoc, from stealing personal data to launching ransomware attacks. In this article, we will explore some of the most notable cyber attacks of recent times, examining their impact and what we can learn from them.
1) In Rackspace, Customer email data is accessed.
Cloud computing provider Rackspace confirmed that attackers gained access to the Personal Storage Table (PST) files of 27 of its customers during the Play ransomware attack in December 2022. PST files contain emails, calendar data, contacts, and tasks. In its statement, the company said there were no signs of the attackers viewing or misusing that information. However, Rackspace has offered affected customers free licenses to migrate their email from its Hosted Exchange platform to Microsoft 365. Moreover, the company also provides download links to recover historic mailbox data. Rackspace said that its Hosted Exchange environment would not be rebuilt, and customers would be migrated to Microsoft 365.
2) Ukrainian State Nuclear Power Company
Ukraine’s state-owned nuclear power operator, Energoatom, has reported an “unprecedented” cyberattack on its official website by Russian hackers. The People’s Cyber Army, a Russian hacktivist group, used 7.25 million bot accounts to flood the site with junk traffic, making it unreachable for three hours. Russian hackers found the energy sector a lucrative target despite the attack that had no lasting impact on Energoatom. Russian hackers have caused massive power outages in Ukraine in the past, and the country’s intelligence officials expect more attacks on energy facilities. Russia also spreads fake news about Ukraine’s nuclear energy sector to instill fear and reduce foreign military support.
3) South Staffs Water targeted for ‘worrying precedent.’
Cambridge Water and South Staffordshire Water, both part of South Staffordshire PLC, have confirmed they’ve been attacked by ransomware. The group claimed it could tamper with the water supplies, but the water company disputed this and stated that its ability to supply water was unaffected. Cyber security experts have expressed concern over the attack, calling it a “worrying precedent” and noting that the drought has made water companies a target for cybercriminals. The company said it was still supplying safe water to customers and had put additional measures in place while investigating the hack. The National Cyber Security Centre says firms should not pay ransomware demands.
4) Vice Society claims ransomware attack.
The Royal ransomware group has claimed responsibility for a cyberattack on the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) in Australia and has released data they allegedly stole during the attack. QUT shut down all IT systems to prevent the attack from spreading, causing service disruptions expected to continue for some weeks. The leaked data includes HR files, email and letter communications, ID cards and documents, and financial and administrative records. The Royal ransomware group has gained attention for launching attacks against healthcare organizations and recently targeted telecommunications provider Intrado, demanding a ransom payment of $60 million.
5) Illegal Solaris darknet market hijacked
Kraken, a smaller darknet marketplace, claims to have hacked Solaris, a Russian-speaking market affiliated with the pro-Kremlin hacktivist group Killnet. The hackers took control of Solaris by stealing passwords and keys from its servers, accessing its Finnish infrastructure, and downloading everything without being stopped. Kraken redirected Solaris’ Tor site to their platform, disabling Solaris’ Bitcoin server. Elliptic found no changes in Solaris cryptocurrency addresses after January 13, 2022. The motives behind the hack are likely market-driven, aimed at eliminating competition and boosting growth.
Conclusion
Cyber attacks continue to be a growing concern for individuals and businesses like recent cyber attacks 2024. The examples mentioned above serve as a reminder of the potential damage that can be inflicted. As technology advances, so do the methods and sophistication of cyber criminals. It is essential for individuals and organizations to prioritize their cyber security measures. Everyone needs to stay vigilant and take appropriate precautions. Those measures should include regularly updating software and using strong passwords, to avoid falling victim to a cyber attack.
References
- Gatlan, S. (2023, January 5). Rackspace: Customer email data accessed in ransomware attack. BleepingComputer. https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/rackspace-customer-email-data-accessed-in-ransomware-attack/
- Ukraine ’s state-owned nuclear power operator said Russian hackers attacked website. (n.d.). https://therecord.media/ukraines-state-owned-nuclear-power-operator-said-russian-hackers-attacked-website/
- BBC News. (2022, August 16). “Worrying precedent” as hackers target South Staffs Water. https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-stoke-staffordshire-62565937
- Toulas, B. (2023, January 12). Vice Society ransomware claims attack on Australian firefighting service. BleepingComputer. https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/vice-society-ransomware-claims-attack-on-australian-firefighting-service/
- Gordon, M. (2023, January 19). Illegal Solaris darknet market hijacked by competitor Kraken – UK Daily News. UK Daily News. https://ukdaily.news/illegal-solaris-darknet-market-hijacked-by-competitor-kraken-302145.html