Several critical infrastructure companies in Ukraine, including Naftogaz, Ukrposhta, and DSBT, have reported cyberattacks. Naftogaz, the largest state-owned oil and gas company, suffered an attack on its data center, rendering its website and call centers inoperative. The incident raises concerns about the potential impact on the country’s energy supply. Ukrposhta, Ukraine’s national postal service, also reported a cyberattack on its information infrastructure, causing disruptions to services. Additionally, DSBT, the agency responsible for transport safety, experienced an attack on its data center, affecting the “Shlyah” system used for border crossings and cargo deliveries.
Ukraine’s state railway, Ukrzaliznytsia, acknowledged that it faced cyberattacks, impacting online ticket purchases in Kyiv for the electric multiple-unit train. The connection between these attacks is unclear, and it remains uncertain who is behind them. The National Cyber Army, a Russian cyber volunteer group, claimed responsibility for the DSBT attack but did not mention the other incidents. This comes after recent cyber incidents in Ukraine, including a massive DDoS attack on online bank Monobank and a cyberattack on Kyivstar, the largest telecom operator, orchestrated by Russian state-sponsored hackers.
The attacks on Ukrainian critical infrastructure entities highlight growing cybersecurity challenges in the region amid geopolitical tensions. These incidents not only disrupt essential services but also underscore the potential for cyber threats to be used as tools for causing psychological impact and gathering intelligence. As investigations continue, Ukraine faces the ongoing challenge of safeguarding its vital systems against cyber threats that aim to destabilize and compromise the nation’s infrastructure and security.
