Dubble on Dublin

Hackers attacked the energy networks of Ireland related to the Russian special services to penetrate their control systems. It is reported by The Times with reference to computer security experts.

In June, a group of hackers associated with the Russian Main Intelligence Directorate sent out to the employees of the Ireland Supply Board of Ireland Council of Electricity, malicious programs. According to the publication, the messages were mainly received by engineers who have access to energy -networks control systems.

There were no evidence of violations in the work of energy networks, notes the publication. However, according to experts on cybersecurity issues, hackers could steal data and passwords access to energy security systems. The Ireland's National Cyber ​​Security Center said that he was working on this issue.

According to the sources of the publication, Russian special services use Ireland as a training ground. It is also possible that this is "one of the several countries of the European Union", which Russia "may try to destabilize." It is noted that Ireland serves as an “important base” for many US technological giants, in particular Facebook and Apple.

The publication notes that tactics similar to the recent attack on American power plants and nuclear installations were used against Irish computer systems.

On July 1, Reuters reported that the US authorities are preparing for a possible hacker campaign aimed at industrial and energy infrastructure facilities, including those associated with the nuclear sector. According to American special services, since May, hackers send phishing letters in the company working in this area of ​​the economy. Using malware, cybercriminals collect information about the operation of electronic systems, which can later be used to intercept control over them.

On July 7, Bloomberg, citing current and former American officials, reported that at the end of June foreign hackers attacked more than 10 US power plants , including Wolf Creek NPP. The main suspicions fall on Russia. The aim of the attack was the hackers checking the possibilities of violating the country's energy supply, the agency’s sources said. In addition to power plants, a company that produces power management systems was attacked. The power plants were sent a general warning.

According to the sources of the agency, the probability of Russia's involvement in the attack "causes special anxiety." Prior to this, the Russian hacker managed to partially penetrate the energy system of Ukraine. According to sources, this time the attackers "tested more and more modern tools to disable power supply."