SUBSECRETARIAT OF ADVISORY SERVICES – SSA

INTERESTING NEWS FROM AROUND THE CYBER

DEFENSE COMMUNITY

09 de febrero del 2024 Para difusión Hemisférica

‘ELEVATED’ RISK OF HACKERS TARGETING UK DRINKING WATER, SAYS

CREDIT AGENCY

The credit rating agency Moody’s has warned that water companies face an
“elevated” risk from cyber attackers targeting drinking water, as suppliers wait on
permission from the industry regulator to ramp up spending on digital security.
Moody’s said, in a report to investors, that hackers are increasingly zeroing in on
infrastructure companies, including water and wastewater treatment companies,
and the use of AI (artificial intelligence) could accelerate this trend.

Last month, Southern Water, which supplies 4.6 million customers in the south of
England, said the Black Basta ransomware group had claimed to have accessed
its systems, posting a “limited amount” of data on the dark web. The same group
hacked outsourcing firm Capita last year.

The agency said that water suppliers, the government and regulators had
acknowledged the need to bolster cyber defences “given the growing
sophistication of attacks on critical infrastructure, with state-aligned actors a
recent but growing class of cyber adversary”.
(continued)

Know more: https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2024/feb/04/elevated-risk-of-hackers-

targeting-uk-drinking-water-says-credit-agency
PHILIPPINES WARDS OFF CYBER ATTACKS FROM CHINA-BASED HACKERS

MANILA. Hackers operating in China attempted to break into websites and e-

mail systems of the Philippine's president and government agencies, one
promoting maritime security, but failed, an information and communications
ministry official said on Monday.

The mailboxes of the Department of Information and Communications

Technology (DICT), the website of National Coast Watch, and the personal
website of Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr were among the targets of
the unsuccessful hacking operations in January, DICT spokesperson Renato
Paraiso told DWPM radio.

"We are not attributing this to any state. But using the internet protocol
addresses, we pinpointed it to China," Paraiso said, adding the hackers were
traced to be using the services of Chinese state-owned Unicom.
"We are appealing to the Chinese government to help us prevent further
attacks."

Unicom and China's embassy in Manila did not immediately respond to a

request for comment.

The thwarted cyber attacks came at a time of heightened tensions with China,
largely over disputed territory in the South China Sea.

(continued)

Know more: https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/philippines-wards-off-cyber-attacks-china-

based-hackers-2024-02-05/
UKRAINE’S ARMY CHIEF: THE DESIGN OF WAR HAS CHANGED

Valerii Zaluzhnyi has been Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine

since 2021. This article, according to CNN editor’s was written before an expected
announcement of his dismissal.
Zaluzhnvi said that is no greater challenge facing the military commander, in my
opinion, than understanding – in good time – how each war is shaped differently.
Firstly, by technological progress, which determines the development of
weapons and equipment.
And, secondly, by political conditions at home and abroad, and the economic
environment.
Victory needs a unique strategy and follows a unique logic.
It is well known by now that a central driver of this war is the development of
unmanned weapons systems.
They are proliferating at a breathtaking pace and the scope of their applications
grows ever wider. Crucially, it is these unmanned systems – such as drones –
along with other types of advanced weapons, that provide the best way for
Ukraine to avoid being drawn into a positional war, where we do not possess the
advantage.
But while mastery of such technologies is key, it is not the only factor influencing
current strategy. We must contend with a reduction in military support from key
allies, grappling with their own political tensions.
New operations might include digital field creation, radio-electronic
environment control, or a combined operation using attack drones and cyber
assets. Such operations will be coordinated and conducted under a single
concept and plan.
Crucially, the aim will not always be solely combat in focus. It might seek to
reduce the economic capabilities of the enemy, or to isolate, or wear him down.
Attack operations can have psychological objectives.
That said, for the time being, the priority remains improving the situation on the
battlefield.

(continued)

Know more: https://www.cnn.com/2024/02/01/opinions/ukraine-army-chief-war-strategy-russia-valerii-

zaluzhnyi/index.html
 UKRAINE CALLS ON NETWORK PROVIDERS TO REVIEW
SECURITY MEASURES IN LIGHT OF INCREASED CYBERATTACKS
Russian hackers could’ve gained access to Ukraine’s communication systems as
of Jan. 25, and network providers in Ukraine should review the backup systems
and vet personnel with back-end access to mitigate the risks, warned Kyiv
officials.
The State Service of Special Communications and Information Protection of
Ukraine said the recent cyberattacks, conducted by Russian intelligence and
hacker groups affiliated with the agencies, had the intention to “disrupt the
stable functioning of electronic communication systems” that support Ukraine’s
national security and defense.
It added that as of Jan. 25, Russian hackers could’ve been “present” in the
communication system without providing further details.
This was stated in an official letter sent to various tech associations in Ukraine,
including the Ukrainian Internet Association that shared the letter.
“In particular, it is necessary to check the availability and operability of backup
data storage systems, verify accounts on firewalls and switching equipment, as
well as take additional security measures, namely, checking the personnel who
are directly responsible for the administration of electronic communication
systems,” it said.
The letter also cited an “intensification of destructive activities aimed at
destroying infrastructure in the electronic communications sector” and
“increasing DDoS attacks on banks” as observed in recent cyberattacks.

(continued)

Know more:https://www.kyivpost.com/post/27626

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