Ransomware, a type of malicious software used by hackers to encrypt files or systems until a ransom is paid, wreaked havoc on Japan’s largest maritime port recently. The Port of Nagoya in Aichi prefecture experienced an outage at one of its container terminals on Tuesday morning, according to the Nagoya Harbor Transportation Authority. The operations were expected to resume on Thursday at 8.30 am local time.
The attack on Nagoya port underscores the increasing cyber vulnerabilities faced by shipping networks in Asia as they embrace automation and phase out paper documentation. European ports have already been grappling with similar cyber threats, with pro-Russian groups claiming responsibility for a cyber attack on one of Europe’s largest ports in June.
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According to Kyodo News, the Nagoya Port Authority attributed the cyber attack to the Russia-based ransomware group Lockbit 3.0. Ransomware attacks typically exploit vulnerabilities in Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) and remote desktop protocols. Ms Mihoko Matsubara, NTT’s chief cybersecurity strategist, stated that such breaches accounted for 80% of ransomware attacks in Japan. She emphasized the need for businesses to routinely update or patch the software they use in their operations.
Ports worldwide have been increasingly targeted by ransomware attacks. In Christmas 2022, cyber criminals infiltrated the computer systems of Portugal’s Port of Lisbon, causing a disruption in operations lasting for days. India’s busiest container port, Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust, also fell victim to a ransomware attack in 2022. In 2021, South Africa’s port and rail company faced a similar assault from a strain of ransomware linked to groups in Eastern Europe and Russia.
David Suzuki, Japan’s Managing Director of Singapore-based cybersecurity firm Blackpanda, highlighted the rising trend of “double extortion” in recent data breaches. In this method, hackers demand ransom for both the recovery of the stolen data and to prevent its publication.
However, it is not only the maritime industry that is susceptible to these threats. Cyber attacks have also disrupted the automotive sector, with one of Toyota’s suppliers in Aichi prefecture falling victim to such an attack in 2022, which led to a temporary shutdown at 14 factories.
The Port of Nagoya cyber attack’s impact extended to the world’s largest carmaker, Toyota Motor. Although the incident did not affect the shipment of new cars, the loading and unloading of imported and exported parts at the port were halted until the problem was resolved. However, a Toyota spokesman confirmed that production was not affected.
With cyber threats on the rise, it is evident that companies operating in key sectors, like maritime and automotive, need to fortify their cybersecurity defenses. As technological advancements permeate every aspect of business operations, ensuring robust cybersecurity measures is no longer optional but a necessity in today’s digital world.
This article is based on information from The Straits Times.
