Angola’s National Bank cyber threat nullified, worries subdued

TLDR:

• The National Bank of Angola has confirmed that its infrastructure and data were not significantly affected by a cyberattack on January 6.
• The bank has taken necessary measures to ensure the security, integrity, reliability, and availability of its information systems.
• Although the attack has not been claimed by any threat operation, several smaller banks in Angola have been compromised by the ALPHV/BlackCat ransomware operation, which also targeted the country’s national electric utility.

Officials at the National Bank of Angola have announced that the bank’s infrastructure and data were not significantly impacted by a cyberattack that occurred on January 6. The attack has already been mitigated, and the bank has taken measures to ensure the security, integrity, reliability, and availability of its information systems, which are operating normally. The National Bank of Angola, as the authority responsible for the stability and operational resilience of the Angolan financial system, remains committed to implementing necessary measures to guarantee the security and functionality of financial institutions.

Although the responsible threat operation behind the cyberattack has not been identified, it is worth noting that several smaller banks in Angola have recently fallen victim to the ALPHV/BlackCat ransomware operation. This operation has also claimed responsibility for an attack against Angola’s national electric utility. Notably, other state-owned banks in countries such as Russia, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Southern Africa, and Lesotho have also suffered intrusions in recent times.

This recent cyberattack on the National Bank of Angola serves as a reminder of the increasing cybersecurity threats faced by financial institutions and critical infrastructure organizations globally. It highlights the need for continuous vigilance and proactive measures against cyberthreats. The successful mitigation of this attack by the National Bank of Angola demonstrates the importance and effectiveness of having robust cybersecurity measures in place.

As cyberattacks continue to evolve and become more sophisticated, organizations must prioritize strengthening their security posture and implementing robust cybersecurity frameworks. This includes regular security assessments, employee training, and the adoption of advanced threat detection and response capabilities. Furthermore, collaboration and information sharing among financial institutions and relevant authorities are crucial for effectively combating cyberthreats and minimizing the potential impact.

In conclusion, while the National Bank of Angola successfully addressed and mitigated the recent cyberattack, it is essential for financial institutions and critical infrastructure organizations to remain vigilant in the face of evolving cyberthreats. By prioritizing cybersecurity and adopting proactive measures, organizations can better protect their infrastructure, data, and operations from potential cyberattacks.