Oil India Limited: A Target for Ransomware Attacks

Company Overview

Oil India Limited (OIL) is a public sector undertaking company that operates in the Energy, Utilities & Waste sector. The company's operations, including crude oil and natural gas prices, and stock market updates, are detailed on their official website.

Impact of the Attack

The ransomware attack on April 10, 2022, led to significant operational disruptions for OIL. The company's network, server, and client PCs experienced network outages. Attackers demanded a ransom of $75 million through a note on the infected PC, a tactic often used by hackers to intimidate their targets, as noted by OIL spokesperson Tridiv Hazarika.

Investigation and Response

Following the attack, an FIR was lodged under various sections of the Information Technology Act and Section 385 of the Indian Penal Code, concerning extortion. Investigations revealed the use of Russian malware, executed from a server in Nigeria. OIL has engaged international cybersecurity experts to recover their systems and enhance their firewall protections.

Vulnerabilities and Mitigation

The specific vulnerabilities exploited in the attack on OIL remain undisclosed. The international nature of the attack suggests a sophisticated threat actor was involved. To mitigate future risks, companies are advised to adopt comprehensive cybersecurity strategies, including regular software updates, employee training, and the development of incident response plans.

The ransomware attack on Oil India Limited underscores the critical importance of robust cybersecurity measures to protect against the escalating threat of cyber attacks on essential infrastructure. Despite the restoration of their systems, the financial ramifications of the attack remain unclear.

Sources

• Oil India Limited | Govt. of India Enterprise | Oil Company in India
• Assam: Cyberattack in Oil India's headquarters, attackers demand over Rs 57 crore as ransom
• 'Biggest cyberattack in recent years' hits Oil India HQ, hackers demand Rs 60 crore in Bitcoin
• Russian Malware Used For Oil India Cyber Attack: Report
• How to Protect Your Business from Ransomware Attacks