Share this @internewscast.com

A Ukrainian government official said Thursday that Russian military hackers caused a power outage in parts of Ukraine last year, a previously unpublicized cyberattack that adds to concerns about the vulnerability of critical infrastructure. 

It is unclear how many people or places were without power or for how long.

The attack, which happened in October last year, is only the third known time that hackers successfully penetrated an energy system and caused a power outage. The other two incidents, in 2015 and 2016, were also in Ukraine, and the perpetrators have been widely attributed to the same unit in Russia’s military intelligence agency, the GRU.

Details of the hack are complicated by the fact that much of Ukraine was under missile attacks around the same time. Russia physically damaged some of the infrastructure, making it even more difficult for responders to restore power.

Victor Zhora, head of Ukraine’s cyber defense agency, told NBC News that it was an example of Russia coordinating its cyberattacks and kinetic attacks against the same target.

“They focus on the energy sector, on critical infrastructure. They strike it with cruise missiles, and they will continuously attempt to hit with cyber tools,” he said. “That’s the trend, that they are focusing on civilian targets.

Mandiant, a cybersecurity company owned by Google, also released a report on the incident Thursday.

Zhora and Mandiant declined to share many specifics about the attack, including the precise nature of the facility that was hacked, where it was located or how many people or places lost power because of it.

The Russian Foreign Affairs Ministry didn’t respond to an emailed request for comment.

Many countries including the United States, China and Russia routinely engage in spying and espionage, but successful cyberattacks on the power grid are extremely rare. Destructive cyberattacks on critical infrastructure could be seen as an act of war. 

The computer operating systems for industrial machinery are often highly specialized and can be confusing to hackers who might gain access, making it unlikely for anyone but a large, dedicated and well-resourced hacker group affiliated or working on behalf of a government to be able to pull off such an attack. 

During its invasion of Ukraine, Russia has damaged far more power infrastructure with missiles rather than with cyberattacks.

While the U.S. has never fallen victim to such a cyberattack, federal officials have warned of the possibility that its adversaries could launch one. This summer, Jen Easterly, director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, said that China likely had such capabilities and could deploy them against the U.S. in times of major conflict, like if it were to invade Taiwan.

In April last year, Ukraine said it had successfully thwarted a major cyberattack that could have cut power to 2 million people. 

“That case was a signal for all of us that we should work harder and improve the situation immediately because it can cause real issues for all of us,” Zhora said.

Ukraine is redoubling efforts to protect power infrastructure from hackers because it fears Russia will continue to attack as the weather turns cold, Zhora said.

“I hope that we use this year to become more prepared, to expect attacks during this autumn and winter,” he said.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
US Navy Sea Hawk helicopter, F/A-18F Super Hornet fighter jet go down in separate South China Sea incidents

US Navy Faces Dual Aircraft Incidents: Sea Hawk Helicopter and F/A-18F Super Hornet Crash in South China Sea

In a day marked by unexpected challenges, two aircraft from the USS…
Chicago shootings this weekend: At least 10 shot, 2 fatally, in gun violence across city, police department says

Authorities Determine Teen’s ‘Gel Blaster’ Shooting in Skokie’s Shawnee Park as Antisemitic Hate Crime: Police Report

In SKOKIE, Illinois, local authorities have determined that a teenager’s use of…
Trump administration posts notice that no federal food aid will go out Nov. 1

Federal Food Aid Halt: Trump Administration Announces November 1 Suspension

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced on its website that federal…
George Clooney says 'Ocean's 14' script is done, will begin filming in 2026

George Clooney Confirms ‘Ocean’s 14’ Script Complete, Filming Set for 2026

In an exclusive chat with Variety, George Clooney, famed for his role…
Man fleeing immigration agents is fatally struck by a vehicle on a Virginia highway

Tragic Incident: Man Fatally Struck While Fleeing Immigration Agents on Virginia Highway

A tragic incident unfolded in Virginia when a 24-year-old man from Honduras…
Drug vessel destroyed in explosive strike by US military

US Executes Eighth Drug Vessel Strike in Eastern Pacific: Latest Military Action Revealed by Hegseth

The United States military executed a strike on a suspected drug-trafficking vessel…
Chicago immigration activity: Video shows agents break car window detain driver in Addison; DHS defends 'crowd control measures'

Video Captures Tense Immigration Arrest in Addison: DHS Stands by Agents’ Actions

CHICAGO — Growing unease surrounds federal activities in the Chicago region, following…
Asking Eric: After family death, bereaved kept the card but returned the cash

Bereaved Family Finds Solace: Returns Cash, Keeps Sentimental Card After Loved One’s Passing

Dear Eric, I recently faced an unexpected situation following the passing of…
Ravens-Bears game today: Baltimore Ravens defeat Chicago Bears 30-16

Ravens Soar Over Bears: Baltimore Clinches Dominant 30-16 Victory – Game Highlights & Analysis

In an impressive display on Sunday, the Baltimore Ravens secured a commanding…
Nearly 80K sauna blankets recalled after dozens of burn injuries reported

Urgent Recall Alert: Over 80,000 Sauna Blankets Recalled Due to Burn Injury Risks

In an important safety notice, Lifepro Fitness has announced the recall of…
‘Chainsaw Man’ anime film topples Springsteen biopic and ‘Black Phone 2’ at the box office

‘Chainsaw Man’ Movie Surpasses Springsteen Biopic and ‘Black Phone 2’ in Box Office Success

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The cinematic rendition of the beloved anime “Chainsaw…
Serial slasher sought after 3 unprovoked Brooklyn attacks in 24 hours

Brooklyn on High Alert: Authorities Hunt Serial Slasher Behind Trio of Unprovoked Attacks in Just 24 Hours

A violent assailant responsible for slashing a stranger’s face on a Brooklyn…