Ransomware Attack Disrupts Electrica Operations; National Cybersecurity Authorities Involved
On Monday, December 9th, 2024, Romanian energy giant Electrica, a major supplier, distributor, and producer of electricity, announced it was the target of a cyberattack. The company immediately engaged with Romanian national cybersecurity authorities to address the incident, working diligently to identify the source of the attack and minimize its impact.
The attack, confirmed by Energy Minister Sebastian Burduja as a ransomware attack to Antena 3, has caused temporary disruptions to customer interactions. However, Electrica assures the public that its critical systems remain fully operational.
Electrica’s Response to the Electrica Ransomware Attack and Customer Assurance
In a public statement, Electrica emphasized that the disruptions experienced by customers are a direct result of preventative measures implemented within its internal infrastructure.
“These temporary measures are in place to ensure the overall security of the system,” the announcement stated.
The company urged customers to remain vigilant against suspicious communications purportedly from Electrica and to avoid sharing personal data through unsecure channels. This proactive approach highlights Electrica’s commitment to protecting its customers and their information.
Minister Burduja further reassured the public, stating to Antena 3 (as reported by Biziday.ro), “Basically, there is no risk now, Romanians need to know that they are safe. All systems have been checked, from a cybernetic perspective, we cannot say that this attack had other consequences. Now we must find and sanction those who did this.”
His statement underscores the government’s involvement and commitment to investigating the incident and holding those responsible accountable. The minister’s confirmation that the attack was ransomware-based and that network equipment remained unaffected provides further reassurance.
Electrica’s Scale and Impact of the Cyberattack
The Electrica Group serves approximately 4 million users nationwide, making this cyberattack a significant event for Romania’s energy sector. Since July 2014, Electrica has operated as a company with majority private capital, listed on both the Bucharest and London stock exchanges.
The scale of the company and its customer base underscores the potential impact of the Electrica ransomware attack, highlighting the importance of a swift and effective response. The ongoing investigation and Electrica’s collaboration with national cybersecurity authorities are crucial in mitigating further risks and preventing future incidents.
