Chinese state-sponsored actors may have deployed malware into Indian power grids and seaports as border tensions between India and China began escalating last May, culminating in a deadly clash along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in mid-June.
The alleged cyber-intrusion was discovered and revealed byS. cyber security and intelligence firm, Recorded Future, according to The New York Times , which broke the story. An October 12 grid failure in Mumbai may have been caused by the Chinese malware, as per the report.
Details:
The Massachusetts-based firm found that in the lead-up to the clashes, they noticed an increase in malware targeting the government, defence organisations and the public sector.
The Power Ministry confirmed that while attempts to breach systems were made, the sector had not been impacted.
There is evidence that some of the intrusions remain ongoing; however, a significant proportion of the activity appeared to cease in early to mid-February following notification.
The intrusions, which began in May 2020 continued throughout the year.
The report links the malware attacks to a massive power outage in Mumbai and its suburbs last October which impacted hospitals, businesses, the stock market, homes and transport systems.
