Kuwait’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry has detected and thwarted a recent hacking attempt, according to local media reports.
The ministry has reportedly taken several security measures in response to the incident. The attack involved the Ransomware Lockbit virus, which entered the network through two personal computers. The ministry acted swiftly by disconnecting the affected computers.
None of important data related to the operations of companies, institutions, transactions, or the lives of citizens and residents have been encrypted, according to the ministry.
The Ministry of Commerce and Industry, like other public and private entities, faces numerous hacking and disruption attempts every day, which is why it is implementing stricter measures to strengthen its network and electronic systems.
LockBit ransomware is a type of malevolent software created to impede user entry into computer systems until they pay a ransom. It operates automatically by searching for valuable targets, propagating the infection, and encrypting all reachable computer systems within a network. This ransomware is specifically utilised for precise attacks directed at businesses and other institutions.
The Ministry of Commerce and Industry reportedly detected the hacking attempt using the Lockbit ransomware two weeks ago, after it penetrated its network through two personal computers. However, the computers were immediately disconnected, and the hackers were unable to access the ministry’s systems or cause any disruptions to their efficiency. The data that was displayed came from the personal computers that were disconnected, not the ministry’s systems.
