Halliburton, one of the world's largest oilfield services companies, has fallen victim to a cyberattack. The incident, which occurred on Wednesday, has raised alarms about the vulnerability of critical infrastructure to digital threats.
Halliburton, headquartered in Houston, Texas, acknowledged the issue in an emailed statement, confirming that certain systems within the company have been affected, - Reuters reported.
According to Reuters, a source familiar with the matter, who spoke on condition of anonymity, the cyberattack has disrupted business operations at Halliburton's north Houston campus. Additionally, some global connectivity networks have been impacted, highlighting the potential far-reaching consequences of the breach.
In response to the attack, Halliburton has taken precautionary measures, including instructing some staff members not to connect to internal networks. The company also works with "leading external experts" to address and resolve the issue, underscoring the seriousness with which they treat the situation.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing cybersecurity challenges faced by the energy industry. In 2021, a similar attack on the Colonial Pipeline caused significant disruptions to fuel supply lines in the United States, leading to temporary shortages and price spikes. The FBI attributed that attack to a ransomware gang known as DarkSide.
While the nature of the attack on Halliburton has not been officially confirmed, ransomware attacks have become increasingly common in recent years. These attacks typically involve encrypting a victim's data and demanding cryptocurrency payments in exchange for its release. In some cases, hackers may also threaten to leak sensitive information to increase pressure on their targets.
With its global presence and critical role in the energy sector, Halliburton presents an attractive target for cybercriminals. The company employs nearly 48,000 people and operates in over 70 countries, providing essential drilling services and equipment to major energy producers worldwide.