Canadian Gas Pipeline Under Cyberattack: Suspected Russian-Speaking Hackers
A cybersecurity incident occurred on an unnamed gas pipeline in Canada on February 25, which local officials claim could have caused a combustible substance detonation and resulted in human casualties. Russian-speaking hacker group “Zara,” believed to operate from the territory of the Russian Federation, is being held responsible.
Canadian officials reveal that pro-Russian hacktivist groups have been targeting organizations in the critical infrastructure sector with cyberattacks, and this is not the first such incident. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau confirmed the attack on the gas pipeline but denied that it caused any physical damage to the energy infrastructure. He further added that information about a potential explosion is false.
Local sources reported that the hackers displayed the ability to raise pressure in the distribution valve, turn off alarms, and even trigger emergency power outages at the gas station. However, the group did not take any destructive actions after gaining access to the network.
Canadian law enforcement authorities investigating the case believe that the cyberattack aimed at causing significant economic damage to the country’s energy infrastructure. Fortunately, no damage occurred in this attack.
The British Cabinet secretary, Oliver Dauden, had previously warned of the threat posed by pro-Russian hacktivist groups that have targeted critically important national infrastructure in the past.
It is important to note that hacktivist groups often act according to their own personal moral and ideological beliefs, and their actions are illegal.