News have broken out that it was actually a ransomware virus was actually responsible for the shutting down of most of the storage devices responsible for the CCTV on the streets of Washington 1 week before president Trump’s inauguration.
Actual Attack Started on 12th of January
The IoT cyber-attack targeted around 70% of the storage devices responsible for most CCTV cameras. The cameras which were affected by this attack were actually around 123 web recording devices, each device responsible for the maintenance of multiple CCTV cameras.
The Response
This attack did not result in the jeopardy of the national security, but the answer from the experts was immediate. They have managed to shut down the devices, instead of paying any ransom demanded from them. After shutting them down, the devices were completely wiped out and the software on them was installed anew, resulting in the recording devices connecting to the grid and functioning successfully again.
Police Still Looking for Perpetrators
The attackers did not manage to obtain credentials or other important information from the network and the attack was halted in about 2 days time. However, the police are still investigating the location from which this attack was actually conducted.
It has not been disclosed whether or not crucial files were encrypted or wiped and whether the police were actually able to restore encrypted files.
It is also not clear whether or not the attack was caused by cyber-criminals for profit or by hacktivists to halt them from recording any protesters or the criminals themselves.
Ventsislav Krastev
Ventsislav is a cybersecurity expert at SensorsTechForum since 2015. He has been researching, covering, helping victims with the latest malware infections plus testing and reviewing software and the newest tech developments. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for learning new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management, Network Administration and Computer Administration of System Applications, he found his true calling within the cybersecrurity industry and is a strong believer in the education of every user towards online safety and security.
Follow Me: