Malware-based attacks disrupted operations of Rheinmetall AG and Defence Construction Canada

A series of cyber attacks hit the defense contractors Rheinmetall AG and Defence Construction Canada (DCC) causing the disruption of their information technology systems.

This month a series of cyber attack hit defense contractors Rheinmetall AG and Defence Construction Canada (DCC) disrupting their information technology systems.

German Rheinmetall AG is a market leader in the supply of military technology, in 2019 the group generated sales of $6.9 billion. DCC is a Crown corporation that delivers infrastructure and environmental projects for the defence of Canada

A malware-based attacks hit the IT infrastructure of Rheinmetall Automotive plants in Brazil, Mexico, and the USA since late on the evening of 24 September 2019.

The attacks impacted the production processes at these plants causing significant disruption.

“The IT infrastructure of Rheinmetall Automotive plants in Brazil, Mexico and the USA has been affected by malware attacks since late on the evening of 24 September 2019. As a result, normal production processes at these locations are currently experiencing significant disruption.” reads a press release published by the company.

“According to the latest information, the Group’s other IT systems have not been affected.”

Rheinmetall AG claims it is doing everything in its power to address the resulting disruption.

The company said assured deliverability in the short term, but at the time it is not possible to predict the length of the disruption.

“The most likely scenarios suggest a period lasting between two and four weeks.” continues the press release. “As things stand, the Group expects the malware event to have an adverse impact on operating results of between €3 million and €4 million per week starting with week two.”

Early this month, a cyberattack also disrupted the information technology systems of Defence Construction Canada.

“The Crown Corporation that manages Defence department projects and infrastructure has been hit with a cyber-attack.” reported the Ottawa Sun interview.

“Industry sources say an attack earlier this month disrupted Defence Construction Canada’s computer systems and has led to ongoing issues with procurement and other projects.”

DCC is still working to restore the IT systems and launched an investigation in the cyber attack, the organization pointed out that there are no delays to projects that it is managing on behalf of DND.

“All DCC site offices across Canada are open and work has continued on all projects that DCC is managing on behalf of DND and its other clients, she noted in an email.” continues the post.

“There are no delays to projects that DCC is managing on behalf of DND due to this incident,” said Stephanie Ryan, director of communications with Defence Construction Canada.

At the time there are no technical details about both cyber attacks, experts believe that the systems were infected by ransomware that caused the disruption of internal operations.

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Pierluigi Paganini

(SecurityAffairs – Rheinmetall, hacking)

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