Element Nor AS Suffers Ransomware Attack by Lockbit3

Element Nor AS, a Norwegian company specializing in the manufacturing sector, has been targeted by the ransomware group Lockbit3. The attack was announced on the group's dark web leak site, and the victim's website is https://elementnor.no/. Element Nor AS is known for producing high-quality elements and supplying them to major actors in the industry. The company has a strong focus on quality, with a living quality system and tight control from raw materials to the production of concrete and element factories, as well as logistics coordination.

Element Nor AS is a significant player in the manufacturing sector, with over 500+ completed projects and a value of several billion dollars. The company has been in operation since 2007 and has been involved in various projects, including infrastructure and work-life projects in Northern Norway. They are committed to sustainability and have been certified with NS-EN ISO 9001 and NS-EN ISO 14001, which focus on quality and environmental management, respectively.

The company's website provides information on their commitment to environmental and social responsibility, including their Miljøfyrtårnsertifisering since 2023, which ensures that environmental considerations are part of their organizational structure and daily operations. They also have a strong focus on lean work methods and continuous improvement, which could potentially make them a target for ransomware attacks that exploit vulnerabilities in their systems.

The Lockbit3 ransomware group is known for its attacks on various industries, including manufacturing, and has been active since at least 2022. The group typically demands a ransom payment in exchange for the decryption key to restore access to encrypted files. The attack on Element Nor AS is part of a broader trend of ransomware attacks on critical infrastructure, which can have significant impacts on the affected organizations and their customers.

In response to ransomware attacks, it is crucial for organizations to have robust cybersecurity measures in place, including regular updates and patches, employee training, and backup systems to minimize the impact of data loss. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing anti-ransomware solutions that can identify and mitigate ransomware attacks.

Sources

• Element Nor AS. (n.d.). Retrieved April 10, 2024, from https://elementnor.no/
• CISA. (2023, May 7). The Attack on Colonial Pipeline: What We’ve Learned & What We’ve Done Over the Past Two Years. Retrieved April 10, 2024, from https://www.cisa.gov/news-events/news/attack-colonial-pipeline-what-weve-learned-what-weve-done-over-the-past-two-years
• Check Point. (n.d.). Ransomware Attack - What is it and How Does it Work? Retrieved April 10, 2024, from https://www.checkpoint.com/cyber-hub/threat-prevention/ransomware/