The United Nations has raised concerns over the increasing cyberattacks on critical infrastructure during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The UN disarmament chief, Izumi Nakamitsu, warned that cybercriminals are targeting healthcare facilities to steal intellectual property and sensitive information related to COVID-19 vaccine research, and such attacks can be potentially life-threatening.
Nakamitsu urged countries to be vigilant and take necessary measures to mitigate the risks posed by cyber threats. She noted that the healthcare sector is particularly vulnerable as it has been focused on fighting the pandemic and may have less resources for cybersecurity.
The UN also highlighted the concerns raised by the International Atomic Energy Agency, which warned that nuclear facilities and sensitive installations could also be targeted in cyberattacks. The agency suggested that the risk posed by cyber threats to nuclear safety, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region, has increased during the pandemic, as many employees are working remotely, and there are challenges in maintaining the physical security of the facilities.
The UN called on member states to step up their efforts to prevent cyberattacks on critical infrastructure, including healthcare facilities, nuclear facilities, and other essential services. It urged countries to share information and best practices to enhance their cybersecurity capabilities and take appropriate response measures in case of an attack.
In recent months, there have been several high-profile cyberattacks on healthcare facilities, including a massive ransomware attack on several hospitals in the United States, which forced some to divert emergency patients to other hospitals. There are also concerns that cybercriminals may target vaccine supply chains, which could disrupt the distribution of COVID-19 vaccines and have serious public health implications.
Overall, the UN’s warning highlights the growing threat of cyberattacks on critical infrastructure, particularly during the ongoing pandemic. Countries must take necessary precautions to prevent and mitigate these risks, and work together to enhance their cybersecurity capabilities.
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