1. Recent Attack on Small Indian Banks (July 2024)
• Overview: In July 2024, a ransomware attack affected over 300 small Indian banks, disrupting ATM usage and online payments. The attack was attributed to the notorious RansomEXX group, known for targeting large organizations and demanding substantial ransom payments.
2. AIIMS Attack (2023)
• Overview: Hackers targeted the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Delhi, causing server shutdowns and disrupting healthcare services. Patient data was potentially compromised, exposing vulnerabilities in the healthcare sector.
3. Telangana and Andhra Pradesh Power Utility Systems Attack
• Overview: A ransomware attack hit the power utility systems in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, causing extensive service disruptions. The interlinked systems allowed the malware to spread rapidly, leading to a complete shutdown of all servers.
4. UHBVN Ransomware Attack
• Overview: The Uttar Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam, a power company in Haryana, faced an attack that resulted in the theft of billing data. The attackers demanded a ransom of Rs. 1 crore or $10 million for the return of the data.
5. WannaCry Attack
• Overview: The global WannaCry ransomware attack affected over 200,000 computer systems, including several banks and enterprises in Tamil Nadu and Gujarat, India. The attack exploited a vulnerability in Windows systems.
6. Mirai Botnet Malware Attack
• Overview: Targeting IoT devices and home routers, the Mirai botnet malware affected 2.5 million devices, including a significant number in India. The malware exploited unpatched vulnerabilities to infiltrate networks and systems.
7. Petya Ransomware Attack
• Overview: The Petya ransomware attack placed India among the top 10 affected countries, causing significant disruptions, including a computer lockdown at one of India’s largest seaports.
Key Takeaways and Recommendations
These incidents highlight the urgent need for robust cybersecurity measures across all sectors. Key actions include:
• Investing in Security Infrastructure: Adopting advanced security technologies and best practices.
• Regular Assessments: Performing periodic vulnerability assessments and timely updates.
• Employee Training: Educating staff on cyber threat awareness and prevention.
• Data Backups: Ensuring regular data backups to safeguard against data loss.
Conclusion
With India’s ongoing digital transformation, the risk of ransomware attacks is rising. Strengthening cybersecurity infrastructure is crucial to protect critical assets and prevent severe economic and societal impacts.
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