Last week, a serious cyberattack forced a major port operator in Australia to shut down operations across the continent. DP World Australia manages half of all goods that flow into the country at numerous ports, including in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, and Fremantle.
The Australian Federal Police declined to detail investigations into the cyberattack, but Australia’s national cybersecurity coordinator Darren Goldie said on Saturday, November 11 that the interruption was “likely to continue for a number of days and will impact the movement of goods into and out of the country.”
Security experts quickly expressed concern about the potential threat to supply chains worldwide. DP World is part of a global logistics corporation based in Dubai, facilitating trade around the globe. Any shutdown of port activity in one area could lead to maritime freight backups in other areas—especially with the holiday shopping season mere weeks away.
How did the hack happen?
Information about the cyber incident was still scarce as of press time, but DP World Australia immediately disconnected all Internet connectivity in the wake of the attack. That prevented unauthorized access to company networks and data—but also brought all day-to-day operations to a screeching halt.
No evidence of global connections had emerged as of Sunday, November 12. But cybersecurity experts worried that concurrent cyberattacks in Ukraine, China, Israel, and the United States could point to coordination between state-sponsored hacking agencies in Russia or Iran.
How can I protect my business?
As the frequency and complexity of digital threats increase, it’s imperative to take proactive steps to keep your business safe. The Department of Homeland Security’s Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) recently rolled out a public service campaign intended to “make cyber hygiene as common as brushing your teeth,” according to an NPR report.
CMIT Solutions recommends the following five tips that align with CISA’s strategy to protect your information and strengthen the safety of your systems:
CMIT Solutions has spent the last 25 years building this kind of trust with thousands of clients across North America. We take pride in protecting businesses of every size, employees across every industry, and devices new and old.
With more than 250 independently owned and operated offices supported by 800 technicians spread out across North America, we work 24/7/365 to defend your data, strengthen your systems, and empower your employees to work smarter and more efficiently.
If recent cyberattacks have you worried or you’re looking for a cost-effective way to enhance cybersecurity protections, contact CMIT Solutions today.
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