Context:

• Chinese state-sponsored actors may have deployed malware into Indian power grids and seaports as border tensions between India and China began escalating last May, culminating in a deadly clash along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in mid-June.
• The alleged cyber-intrusion was discovered and revealed byS. cyber security and intelligence firm, Recorded Future, according to The New York Times , which broke the story. An October 12 grid failure in Mumbai may have been caused by the Chinese malware, as per the report.

Details:

• The Massachusetts-based firm found that in the lead-up to the clashes, they noticed an increase in malware targeting the government, defence organisations and the public sector.
• The Power Ministry confirmed that while attempts to breach systems were made, the sector had not been impacted.
• There is evidence that some of the intrusions remain ongoing; however, a significant proportion of the activity appeared to cease in early to mid-February following notification.
• The intrusions, which began in May 2020 continued throughout the year.
• The report links the malware attacks to a massive power outage in Mumbai and its suburbs last October which impacted hospitals, businesses, the stock market, homes and transport systems.

https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/chinese-may-have-targeted-power-systems-ports-says-us-firm/article33967309.ece

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