Cybersecurity researchers have discovered a new data wiper malware dubbed ‘HermeticWiper’ being used in fresh attacks against hundreds of machines in Ukraine.
“The war we see on TV is only a fraction of the conflict,” said Hitesh Sheth, CEO of Vectra AI. “Cyber weapons are doing at least equal damage to Ukrainian computer networks, particularly financial and military systems. We will never have more vivid proof that offensive cyber action is now a first-strike tactic, on a par with kinetic warfare.
“The sobering difference: conventional war is waged between nation states. Cyber war poses severe risk to private interests, however reluctant and unwilling they are to become combatants. Escalating cyber conflict can lead to unanticipated consequences and casualties. Nobody is assured of remaining a mere spectator,” said Sheth.
“To that end, no public or private organisation can afford complacency about the events we are watching in real time. They prove the alarming point that antiquated cyber defences centred on perimeter protection will fail under fire. Security begins at home and private interests cannot rely on state-sponsored protection. They must audit and reinforce cyber defences and prioritise AI-augmented detection and response. Doing so will contribute to stability in a worrisome time.”
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