Quick Read

• Sydney Metro is searching for an interim CIO for a duration of 18 months.
• This position will facilitate the digital transformation across three significant rail extensions.
• The role is vital for the driverless train initiative at Sydney Metro.
• The CIO will report to CFO and Commercial Officer Fiona Trussell.
• There is potential for the contract to be prolonged past the initial 18-month period.
• Key rail lines are slated to launch between 2026 and 2027, with another in 2032.
• Craig Taprell will be succeeded by the newly appointed CIO.

Quick Overview

• Cyber intruders take control of radio equipment in the US to send false emergency alerts.
• Compromised Barix devices facilitate the broadcast of attacker-driven audio streams.
• The FCC recommends broadcasters to bolster their security protocols.
• Similar events have occurred in Texas and Virginia.

Overview of Cyber Infiltrations in US Radio Stations

According to a report from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), hackers have infiltrated US radio transmission systems, broadcasting deceptive emergency alerts and inappropriate material. This breach reveals a major flaw in radio broadcast security, with hackers taking advantage of inadequately secured Barix devices.

Vulnerabilities of Barix Devices

The FCC has determined that the affected devices were produced by Barix, a Swiss company specializing in network audio. These devices were manipulated to receive audio controlled by hackers instead of the usual station broadcasts. Consequently, the impacted stations inadvertently transmitted audio streams containing fabricated emergency signals and inappropriate content.

FCC’s Actions and Recommendations

The FCC has recommended that broadcasters adopt fundamental security measures, such as altering default passwords and applying regular updates to avert additional breaches. This anticipatory strategy is essential for protecting broadcasting systems from cyber threats.

Background and Prior Incidents

In recent years, similar occurrences have been noted, with Barix previously asserting in 2016 that their devices are secure when configured correctly. Despite these claims, the latest attacks highlight the persistent difficulties in securing broadcasting facilities against cyber threats.

Conclusion

Cyber breaches in US radio broadcasting expose vulnerabilities in transmission systems, particularly involving the exploitation of Barix devices. The FCC’s call for improved security protocols seeks to reduce these risks, ensuring the reliability of emergency alert mechanisms.

Q: What kind of messages have hackers transmitted?

A: Hackers transmitted false emergency alerts and inappropriate content, featuring offensive language.

Q: What devices were affected during these attacks?

A: The compromised devices were Barix units, made by a Swiss company specializing in network audio.

Q: How can broadcasters avert similar attacks in the future?

A: Broadcasters are advised to change default passwords, perform regular updates, and ensure devices are configured correctly.

Q: Have there been prior incidents of this nature?

A: Yes, there have been previous incidents, including multiple attacks in 2016 involving Barix devices.

Introduction

Asahi Group of Japan, famous for its legendary Super Dry beer, is working towards a recovery of its logistics operations by February after a cyberattack in late September caused substantial disruptions. While the company is hopeful for a return to normalcy, not all products will be ready for shipment by the anticipated date.

Data Breach and Consequences

The cyberattack resulted in a potential leak of personal information for 1.52 million customers. Furthermore, confidential data of 114,000 contacts along with 275,000 current and former employees and their families may have been exposed, although Asahi reports that none of this information has appeared online.

Operational Challenges

The incident caused widespread outages affecting order processing, shipping, and customer service operations, marking Asahi as yet another target in an increasing list of global firms hit by cybercriminals. Earlier in the year, prominent brands such as Jaguar Land Rover and Marks and Spencer suffered from similar operational interruptions.

Financial Setbacks and Projections

Due to the attack, Asahi has postponed the announcement of its full-year earnings, extending it beyond 50 days after the financial year concludes on December 31, 2025. Additionally, the release for third-quarter earnings has been delayed past 45 days following the end of September.

Although expecting adverse effects on financial results, CEO Atsushi Katsuki assured stakeholders that the mid-to-long-term management strategy of the company will remain stable.

Sales Impact and Recovery Initiatives

The interruption led to a shortage of Asahi products across Japanese restaurants, bars, and shops. The company recommenced production at six domestic facilities shortly after the incident. However, sales in October for its primary domestic beverage and food divisions saw a decline of 10% to 40% compared to the prior year.

Ransomware Group and Response

The ransomware group Qilin took responsibility for the attack on October 9. In response to the breach, Asahi’s CEO confirmed that the company did not pay any ransom to the perpetrators.

Conclusion

Asahi Group is on its way to recovery following a significant cyberattack that disrupted its logistics and revealed customer information. Through focused efforts, the company is determined to restore operations by February, ensuring the continuation of its esteemed beverage offerings.

Q&A

Q: What was the primary effect of the cyberattack on Asahi Group?

A: The cyberattack disrupted logistics, order processing, and call centre operations, and may have exposed customer and employee information.

Q: When does Asahi intend to normalize its logistics operations?

A: Asahi intends to normalize its logistics activities by February of next year.

Q: Did Asahi pay a ransom to the attackers?

A: No, Asahi did not make any ransom payment.

Q: How did the attack impact Asahi’s financial reporting?

A: The attack caused delays in the release of Asahi’s full-year and third-quarter earnings beyond their planned schedules.

Q: Which group acknowledged responsibility for the attack?

A: The ransomware group Qilin acknowledged its responsibility for the attack.

Q: In what way have Asahi’s sales been impacted after the attack?

A: October sales for Asahi’s main domestic beverage and food units dropped by 10% to 40% when compared to the same period last year.