Cyber-attack on the Ukraine

How to use GEO Mapping for stock in transitThe malware, known as Ouroboros from the Greek legend of the snake that ate its own tale, allows constant remote access to computers with the possibility to remove files to other servers, or dismantle an entire network.  The potential can be compared with “Stuxnet”, the American-Israeli equivalent which disabled the Iranian nuclear power program.The threat had been known since 2010 when an earlier version was discovered in some of the Pentagon systems, but has grown in sophistication since then.  Its subtle design allows for quick distribution throughout networks of large organisations, while minimising its ability to be detected.  According to reports it can be used both for surveillance and as an offensive cyber weapon, by opening the door to other malware.  Other government agencies have reported some contamination but the Ukrainian government has the lions share at 60% of infections.  Russian text was found embedded in the code.

At the last World economic forum at Davos, there were warnings of the possibility of losing control of either a utilities, power or communications company within the near future.  This comes after breaches to Twitter, Facebook and Wall Street journal early last year.  In 2007 the whole country of Estonia was taken off-line due to a deluge of requests to both government and company websites. Although the final purpose of “Ouroboros” is not fully understood, it can be assumed that the virtual battle lines are still being drawn and more effort is required to protect an organisations digital assets.

Malcolm Ford has had 25 years business experience including working as a financial controller for small to medium businesses. He now implements enterprise software across a wide range of sectors