Cyber Attack on Deutsche Flugsicherung: A Closer Look at the Recent Threat
Deutsche Flugsicherung (DFS), headquartered in Langen, Frankfurt, recently faced a cyber attack that, fortunately, had minimal impact on its critical operations. As Germany’s Air Traffic Control agency, DFS managed to navigate through the attack unscathed, thanks to a robust business continuity plan in place.
Unveiling the Perpetrator: APT28 Strikes Again
Reports from Bayerischer Rundfunk, Munich’s official TV and radio broadcaster, pointed to a state-sponsored actor behind the attack on DFS. Initial investigations linked the cyber assault to APT28, a notorious Russian hacking group with aliases like Strontium, Blue Delta, Pawn Storm, and Fancy Bear. This same group was previously involved in the 2015 cyber attack on the Bundestag.
Since 2007, APT28 has been targeting various government, private, and military entities, gaining notoriety for its involvement in the 2016 U.S. elections, which ultimately led to Donald Trump’s presidency. Germany, in particular, has seen a surge in cyber attacks, especially following its support for Ukraine against Russia. According to Reuters, Germany now ranks as the third most targeted nation by Russian adversaries, trailing behind the United States and Australia.
Rising Threats and Digital Sabotage Costs
In a related incident, Bitkom, Germany’s premier digital association, released a survey revealing that digital sabotage cost German companies a staggering 267 billion euros in 2023, marking a 29% increase from the previous year. The survey highlighted that approximately 70% of the affected companies fell victim to major cybercrime groups, leading to data theft, operational disruptions, and even company closures due to data loss and ensuing legal complications.
Interestingly, China emerged as the top cyber threat adversary to Germany, with Russia closely following in the second position.
As the cyber landscape continues to evolve, organizations must remain vigilant and proactive in strengthening their cybersecurity measures to fend off such sophisticated threats. Remember, your data and operations are at stake, and staying ahead of cyber adversaries is crucial in safeguarding your business.
Want to learn more about protecting your organization from cyber threats? Reach out to Sigma Cyber Security for expert guidance and tailored solutions to fortify your defenses against potential attacks.
—
You may also be interested in: