Cyber-attacks escalate, expert warns

author: FutureCar Staff    

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An expert has warned that cyberattacks by the UK's enemies are becoming relentless as we enter a new era of global conflict. Recently, Russian hackers allegedly obtained top-secret security information on sensitive military sites in the country. The HMNB Clyde nuclear submarine base in Scotland and the Porton Down chemical weapon lab were among the targets. The hacking group LockBit, with known links to Russian nationals, carried out the potentially damaging attack. Thousands of pages of data were leaked onto the dark web after private security firm Zaun was targeted.

Zaun, which provides security fencing for Ministry of Defence sites, confirmed that it had experienced a sophisticated cyber attack. Responding to the news, Professor Kevin Curran, a cyber security expert, emphasized the seriousness of the attack. With the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, he suggested that we may be on the brink of a potential World War Three. Professor Curran highlighted the relentless nature of cyber attacks by Britain's enemies and the lack of proper regulation for third-party companies that hold data on military infrastructure.

He expressed concerns about the reliance on third-party suppliers and their adherence to industry best practices. As cybercrime continues to rise and everything becomes interconnected online, the risk becomes even greater. Professor Curran stated that these attacks are the nation's biggest threat and are likely to be state-sponsored, given the nature of the target.

Labour MP Kevan Jones, a member of the Commons Defence Select Committee, called on the government to explain why Zaun's computer systems were vulnerable. He emphasized the potential damage to the security of sensitive sites if information about security arrangements falls into the hands of potential enemies.

The government has not yet responded to these concerns, stating that they do not comment on security matters. Zaun, in a statement on its website, assured that it had taken reasonable measures to mitigate attacks on its systems. The breach occurred through a rogue Windows 7 PC running software for one of their manufacturing machines. While they initially believed that their cybersecurity software had prevented data transfer, it was later confirmed that LockBit managed to download some data, possibly limited to the vulnerable PC. Approximately 10 GB of data, 0.74% of their stored data, was accessed.

Zaun, known for its high-security perimeter fencing, supplies products to various high-profile sites, including prisons, military bases, and utilities. The company has referred the matter to the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) and has been approached for further comment.

FutureCar Staff