A Cyber Attack has caused a temporary fuel supply in whole of Germany with situation intended to improve only after 10 days. Oiltanking GmbH Group and Mabanaft Group are the two firms that were deeply affected by the digital attack, resulting in halting the Operational Technology Systems to the core.
According to highly placed sources, the attack targeted the IT infrastructure of Marquard & Bahls Group, thereafter impacting two of its subsidiaries, i.e. Mabanaft Group and Oiltanking GmbH Group.
Cybersecurity Insiders has learnt that the digital impact could affect the operations of over 1955 gas stations and could rise a shortage issue in the country, causing a severe dent in the transportation and logistics sector.
German Intelligence Service, BfV, has warned the government and populace that attacks of similar kind could hit the country and might be coordinated by Chinese Hacking Group dubbed APT27.
Note 1- Unconfirmed sources state that the attack was of Ransomware genre and the hackers are demanding millions of dollars to free up the data from the encrypting malware.
Note 2- Law enforcement agencies across the world such as FBI and CIA are urging victims not to pay a ransom to hacking groups as it not only encourages crime but also doesn’t guaranty the return of the decryption key for sure. But some security analysts are asking the victims to think wisely and to act accordingly. Meaning those who can recover data from backups can do instead of paying a ransom. But if the recovery costs are high, then paying a ransom turns economical.
