Hacking – CTRSpace

Hacker Steals Sensitive HPE Data:

Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) is under inquiry after claims by a hacker, operating under a false name “IntelBroker,” who claims to have stolen sensitive data. The hacker posted details of the breach on a popular cybercrime forum, claiming the stolen information includes product source code, private GitHub repositories, and access keys for various HPE services, including APIs. The breach extends beyond HPE, hackers allegedly breached technology companies such as AMD , Cisco and Nokia by accessing HPE user data, including compromising personally identifiable information about past deliveries.

HPE Responds:

In a statement to TechCrunch, HPE spokesperson Laura von Pentz confirmed that the company was made aware of the claims on January 16. She said, “HPE became aware on January 16 of claims being made by a group called IntelBroker that it was in possession of information belonging to HPE. HPE immediately activated our cyber response protocols, disabled related credentials, and launched an investigation to evaluate the validity of the claims. There is no operational impact to our business at this time, nor evidence that customer information is involved.”

HPE’s History with Breaches:

Despite many queries, HPE refused to disclose the manner in which its data was compromised. On the other hand, IntelBroker, who was implied to be selling the data stolen from HPE, has not responded, leaving many details about the alleged breach unconfirmed. Nearly a year ago, HPE reported that its cloud-based email environment had been breached by Midnight Blizzard, an organization associated with Russia. According to the company, hackers had accessed internal HPE email boxes using an infected account and then removed data from only a small portion of mailboxes. As the investigation continues, HPE is working to ensure the integrity of its systems and safeguard customer trust. For now, the company asserts that there is no evidence of customer information being impacted, but the alleged breach serves as a reminder of the growing threats in cybersecurity.

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Reports of Russia allegedly attempting to hack the whatsapp accounts that belong to government ministers and top-ranking officials across the globe spread like wildfire. The wave of cyberattacks opens doors to national security concerns over the vulnerabilities of digital communication.

The Alleged Breach

Some reports say that the hacking campaign involves such phishing techniques that give unauthorized entry to WhatsApp accounts. The attackers impersonate and do social engineering, sending false messages that lure people to share their sensitive login credentials or security codes. Several ministers across Europe, Asia, and Africa have been targeted, but the extent is not known as investigations continue. Some sources suggest that these attacks may be furthering a larger strategy to disrupt governments, gain access to confidential communications, or acquire intelligence for strategic purposes.

WhatsApp’s Response.

WhatsApp, owned by meta has stated that it prioritizes the user’s security. End-to-end encrypted messages would be encrypted by the database and the customer is highly encouraged by whatsapp to use its two steps password verification for safer use.

A spokesperson for WhatsApp stated:

“We are aware of reports of targeted phishing attempts and urge users to remain vigilant. Two-step verification is an essential tool to safeguard accounts, and we continue to invest in measures to protect our global community from cyber threats.”

Geopolitical Implications

The attacks come at a time of heightened geopolitical tensions between Russia and Western nations, particularly amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Cyberattacks have increasingly become a key weapon in modern warfare, with state-sponsored hacking groups allegedly carrying out operations to undermine governments and critical infrastructure.

Experts warn that the targeting of ministers’ WhatsApp accounts could have far-reaching consequences, including potential leaks of classified information, disruption of government operations, and erosion of trust in digital communication platforms.

How to Stay Protected

In light of these incidents, cybersecurity professionals are urging both public officials and private citizens to take the following precautions:

Enable Two-Factor Authentication: Activate 2FA to ensure that unauthorized logins are blocked, even if hackers obtain your password.
Verify Messages: Be cautious about unsolicited messages, particularly those requesting sensitive information or codes.
Update Software Regularly: Ensure that your device and apps are running the latest security updates.
Avoid Clicking Suspicious Links: Do not open links from unknown or unverified sources.

Conclusion

As cyberattacks on global leaders become increasingly common, the need for robust cybersecurity measures is more urgent than ever. While platforms like WhatsApp work to enhance their security features, users must also remain proactive in protecting their accounts from unauthorized access. The investigation into the alleged Russian hacking campaign is ongoing, and governments worldwide are likely to strengthen their cybersecurity defenses in response. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the growing risks in today’s digital age and the importance of vigilance against evolving cyber threats.

Category: Hacking

Hacker Claims Data Breach at HPE, Prompting Investigation