German defense company Rheinmetall has confirmed a cyberattack on its industrial unit serving automotive customers. The company’s military division was not affected, according to a spokesperson.
Rheinmetall, a German arms manufacturer, has announced that its industrial customer-focused business unit has fallen victim to a cyberattack, with the automotive industry being particularly targeted. The company’s military equipment, ammunition, and weapons-producing defense division has not been impacted. Rheinmetall is working closely with relevant cybersecurity authorities to determine the extent of the damage caused by the breach.
The perpetrator of the attack has yet to be identified, but a Russian hacktivist group, Killnet, recently called on its members to initiate a DDoS assault against Rheinmetall via its Telegram channel. Although Rheinmetall acknowledged an increase in network traffic, its IT infrastructure remained unaffected.
It is crucial for Rheinmetall to thoroughly investigate the scope of the breach and work with authorities to prevent future attacks. Companies must take appropriate measures to protect their sensitive data and infrastructure from such cyber threats.
The timing of the attack is notable as Rheinmetall was in negotiations to build a new tank plant in Ukraine. This raises questions about whether there is a connection between the cyberattack and the Ukrainian tank plant negotiations.
Growing Threats of Cyberattacks in Defense
Rheinmetall is a major player in the arms manufacturing industry and has a long history of supplying military equipment and vehicles to countries around the world. The company has faced criticism from activists for its involvement in the arms trade, particularly in conflict zones.
The cyberattack on Rheinmetall reminds businesses of the growing threat of cyberattacks, particularly those involved in the defense industry. As more and more aspects of our lives become digital, it is important for companies to invest in robust cybersecurity measures to protect themselves and their customers from potential cyber threats.