Advances in the automotive industry also open the door to hackers

Until September this year, a total of 41 ransomware attacks have been recorded targeting organizations in the sector, in addition to cases of sale of initial accesses and databases on the Deep Web

The automotive sector has proven throughout history to be a very powerful industry that is constantly growing and mobilizing ever-increasing amounts of money. This economic component, added to the application of technological innovation (connected vehicles, autonomous vehicles, etc.), places both companies and entities in the sector in the
crosshairs of cyber attackers.

S21sec, one of the leading cybersecurity providers in Europe, has analyzed in detail the cyber activity of the automotive industry in 2022 and has noted a significant increase in incidents of a different nature. In a large proportion of detected cyberattacks, exploitation by some form of cybercriminal was the first vector of entry.
infrastructure vulnerability destination of the affected organizations, but also ransomware attacks, sale of accesses, sale of databases and data breaches have been identified, among others.

In this sense, experts warn that malicious actors are coming in the coming months
they will continue their cyber criminal activities revolt against companies in this sector. «The automotive industry is constantly implementing the most advanced technologies with the aim of automating and streamlining industrial processes and incorporating the latest features into its products. But automation also brings new cybersecurity risks that companies need to consider in order to face any possible threat,” he emphasizes.
Sonya FernandezChief of Intelligence at S21sec.

Ransomware, a type of malware that aims to gain access to one or more computers in order to encrypt the information of a target, whether a user or an entity, and demand a ransom in exchange for its return; It has positioned itself as one of the biggest threats the auto industry could face. Specifically, until September of this year, there were 41 ransomware attacks against organizations in the sector, with the month of March standing out due to the high number of incidents.

They have also been seen on the other side
compromised databases from various companies in the automotive industry. This private information is one of the fundamental pillars upon which organizations’ business models are maintained, as it relates to the products or services they offer and helps them differentiate themselves from the competition. They store confidential information of customers, employees, suppliers, etc. During this year, S21sec has identified 8 database sales to various companies related to the automotive world in underground forums and in deep web markets such as Exchange Market.

«The loss or acquisition of this type of information by third parties outside the company could create a crisis and lead to bankruptcy. Most of these sales occur primarily when cybercriminals gain access to the company’s infrastructure, either through social engineering attacks, exploiting vulnerabilities, or through insiders, company personnel who provide information to the attackers in exchange for a usually financial reward. reward, although they can also become victims of extortion,’ says Sonia Fernández.

Source: La Verdad

Ida

I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.