Cyber-Attacks Hit Defense Contractors in Europe and North America

Defense contractors Rheinmetall AG and Defence Construction Canada (DCC) were hit this month by cyber-attacks that impacted and disrupted their information technology systems.

German Rheinmetall AG is one of the world's top suppliers of military equipment and systems, with two operational components, namely Rheinmetall Defence and Rheinmetall Automotive. "The group's 23,000-strong global workforce generated sales last year of $6.9 billion," says a press release published today.

DCC delivers infrastructure and environmental projects for Canada's defense requirements, including "contracting, construction contract management and related infrastructure services," according to the company's website.

Companies around the world under attack

The Rheinmetall AG and DCC incidents are added to a long list of other attacks targeting other companies around the world, with most of them having been hit by alleged ransomware or cryptominer infections.

For instance, Japanese optical products manufacturer HOYA Corporation had to partially shut down its production lines from Thailand for three days after an infection with credential-stealing and cryptominer malware infection at the end of February.

In March, Norsk Hydro, one of the largest aluminum producers in the world, was forced to switch to partial manual operations due to a cyber attack that allegedly used LockerGoga ransomware to disrupt the company's operations.

Engineering consulting company Altran Technologies also had its operations from some European countries affected by an alleged LockerGoga ransomware in late January. Altran had to shut down its network to protect the firm's and its clients' data.

[link to www.bleepingcomputer.com (secure)]

Last Edited by Cartel™ on 09/28/2019 06:18 AM