Austal USA, a prominent shipbuilding company serving as a contractor for the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), has confirmed a cyberattack and is actively investigating the situation. The company specializes in constructing high-performance aluminum vessels and is responsible for various programs, including the production of Independence-class littoral combat ships for the U.S. Navy. Austal USA also holds a significant $3.3 billion contract for building 11 patrol cutters for the U.S. Coast Guard.
The cyberattack was claimed by the Hunters International ransomware and data extortion group, which asserted that it had breached Austal USA and provided evidence of the intrusion by leaking some information. Despite the breach, Austal USA stated that it acted swiftly to mitigate the incident, ensuring no impact on its operations. The company reported the incident to regulatory authorities, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS), both of which are actively involved in investigating the cause and extent of the breach. Austal USA reassured that no personal or classified information was accessed or taken by the threat actor, emphasizing its commitment to understanding the incident fully to prevent a recurrence.
Hunters International has threatened to release more data stolen from Austal’s systems in the coming days. The compromised information reportedly includes compliance documents, recruiting information, finance details, certifications, and engineering data. While Austal USA did not specify whether the threat actor accessed data related to engineering schematics or proprietary U.S. Navy technology, it acknowledged the severity of the event and the responsibility it holds as a contractor for the DoD and DHS. The incident underscores the persistent and evolving threats faced by defense contractors, emphasizing the need for heightened cybersecurity measures in the sector.
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