Three European wind energy companies have been hacked as a result of cyberattacks
Security Alert. PHOTO: Cybercrime Magazine.
During the war between Russia and Ukraine, three German-based wind power companies were hit by a series of cyber attacks that shut down thousands of turbines.
Enercon GmbH was the first German wind turbine manufacturer to suffer such damage on February 24. The company’s satellite communications services were disrupted, some 5,800 wind turbines in Central Europe were damaged, and 10 gigawatts of electricity, enough to power 7.5 million homes that lost their connections, continued to operate in automatic mode.
Nordex, another wind turbine manufacturer, was forced to shut down its computer systems after a cybercriminal attack on March 31 over Russian oil and gas.
In the latest incident, Deutsche Windtechnik, a German wind turbine maintenance and repair company, said in statements on April 11 and 12 that its computer systems were the target of a cyber attack that has certainly killed it for the time being. Fortunately, the company was able to recover most of its encrypted servers from the malware, but for security reasons the IT department decided to gradually bring services back online while continuing partial shutdowns.
The other two attacks were not attributed to any group or government, although the timing suggests a link to Russian backers. The German economy is heavily dependent on Russian oil and gas imports, and Berlin has been searching for alternatives since the start of the Russo-Ukrainian conflict.
Matthias Brandt, director of Deutsche Windtechnik, says high IT security standards are necessary. A strong computer defense system is fundamental to preventing unexpected cyber attacks like this one. Implement anti-ransomware software and server-based firewalls to protect the computer environment from the inside out. Train employees on cyber threats and equip them with proper processes. Use strong passwords with multi-factor authentication on devices and update them regularly. Detect suspicious activity and report it to your IT team. But never forget to take a step back. This is the key to recovery: Vinchin Backup & Recovery is a hands-on virtual machine solution focused on data backup and recovery to protect your valuable data from cybercriminals.
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With a solid foundation in technology, backed by a BIT degree, Lucas Noah has carved a niche for himself in the world of content creation and digital storytelling. Currently lending his expertise to Creative Outrank LLC and Oceana Express LLC, Lucas has become a... Read more