Last week, a hack targeted HSE's IT network, Slovenia's major electricity company. The situation appears to be under control presently, however the cause of the incident has yet to be determined.
The event, according to the corporation, was caused by a "crypto-virus" that encrypted files and locked employees out of its networks. HSE also stated that it had not received any ransom requests and that the event had had no effect on operations at any of its power stations.
According to the news portal 24ur, the attack was "substantial" and the intruders had breached the security and control systems as well as the fire alarms. The attack was supposedly discovered on Wednesday night and appeared to be confined, but by Friday night, it had spread.
Of course, the government was involved by that point. According to Uro Svete, director of the Government's Information Security Office, it was a conventional cyberattack, but it did not appear to have caused significant harm. Furthermore, Svete stated that he was pleased with way the matter was handled.
"I believe that the process itself, both the detection of the incident and the reporting and engagement of all actors at the expert, technical, company, and state authority levels, was appropriate and in accordance with the national cyber incident response plan." So, in actuality, the situation in this case is under control for the time being," Svete said on Sunday.
HSE general manager Tomaž Štokelj also expressed confidence that there would be no severe ramifications for system security or the company's financial performance.
"The HSE power plants are operating smoothly, and Slovenia's electricity supply continues to be reliable," the company stated in a statement on its website.
However, risk remains. It is not yet clear what caused the issue, but the fact that data was accessible suggests that it could eventually lead to blackmail of the organization. It is typical practice for cyber criminals to delay demanding a ransom payment.
HSE manages the Šoštanj thermal plant, which provides for almost one-third of domestic energy generation, as well as hydro plant chains on the Drava, Sava, and Soa rivers. Approximately 60% of domestic electricity output is accounted for by this group.
Source: Cybernews