Energy provider Encevo in Luxembourg suffers ransomware attack
In a recent cyberattack, the ransomware group ALPHV, also known as BlackCat, has claimed responsibility for targeting Luxembourg-based critical infrastructure companies Creos and Enovos on July 29. This attack follows ALPHV's previous attempts on Colonial Pipeline in May 2021, Oiltanking in Germany, and Swissport.
ALPHV, the latest rebrand of the DarkSide ransomware group, is currently as active as the prolific LockBit ransomware group, according to threat analyst Brett Callow of Emsisoft. Callow suggests that the rationale for ALPHV's latest attack may be opportunistic and non-targeted.
During the attack on Creos and Enovos, data was exfiltrated, rendering their customer portals non-operational. ALPHV claimed it exfiltrated more than 150 gigabytes of sensitive data from Creos, including contracts, passports, bills, and emails. The group threatened to publish the data it stole from Creos on Monday.
Despite the attack, electricity and gas are still flowing to customers without interruption, according to Encevo, the parent company of both business units. Encevo has energy supply operations in five European countries and is the largest energy firm in Luxembourg. They provide electricity to more than 285,000 customers and natural gas to 47,000 customers.
Encevo is currently investigating the incident and will contact customers that might be impacted. Affiliates of LockBit were recently observed infiltrating on-premises servers to spread malware on targeted networks.
ALPHV historically demands a ransom as part of its cyberattacks, but no figure has yet been reported for the attack on Creos and Enovos. Brett Callow has published ALPHV's leak site post on Twitter. The incident underscores the ongoing threat of ransomware to the energy sector and its potential to disrupt supply, according to Callow.
ALPHV typically targets large organizations, including those in the critical infrastructure sector. The attack on Creos and Enovos is a reminder of the need for robust cybersecurity measures to protect against such threats. As ALPHV continues its active streak, it is crucial for companies to remain vigilant and prepared.
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