Romania is facing a new security incident that directly targets its critical infrastructure. The state-owned pipeline operator, Conpet, confirmed a cyber-attack that disrupted part of its corporate IT systems and rendered its web portal inactive for several hours. Although the logistical operations of the pipelines were not compromised, the event has raised concerns among authorities and cybersecurity experts.
Conpet suffers cyber attack: initial response
The company informed that the attack did not affect the company’s operational capacity or the fulfillment of current contracts. However, the interruption of internal systems led to the activation of contingency protocols and collaboration with national agencies such as DIICOT, who have already received a formal criminal complaint.
Qilin claims responsibility for attack and exposes stolen data
Hours after the incident, the ransomware group known as Qilin claimed responsibility for the attack. Through its dark web site, the gang claimed to have stolen about 1 terabyte of information. Among the leaked data were reportedly financial documents, identity credentials and confidential files, of which public samples are already circulating.
As the investigation continues, Conpet is working with cybersecurity experts to fully restore its systems and assess the scope of the breach. Sources close to the company indicate that technical teams have isolated the compromised nodes and are reinforcing the defensive layers of its IT platforms.
Increasing risks to energy infrastructure
Matt Conlon, executive director of Cytidel, noted that the sophistication of recent attacks is due to a combination of emerging technologies, vulnerable systems and excessive alerts without prioritization.
The problem is not a lack of tools, but a lack of clarity about which threats are really critical.
He explained.
This attack on Conpet is evidence of the constant pressure that energy infrastructures face. energy infrastructures from organized malicious actors. The digital defense of the industrial sector can no longer rely on technological solutions alone, but on well-focused risk strategies and agile responses to potential intrusions.
Source: World Pipe Lines
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