Ransomware incidents entail cybercriminals compromising their victims’ computers or servers with malware and demanding large payments in order to restore the network (as well as any files or data stored on it). They are considered one of the most damaging cyberattack methods. While these incidents are certainly a significant concern, another emerging malware-based cyberattack method, known as jackware, has the potential to wreak even greater havoc on businesses of all sizes and sectors.
Rather than blocking access to important information, jackware incidents consist of cybercriminals hijacking victims’ embedded systems via malware. These systems are comprised of specialized computing software that serves specific functions within larger machines. Embedded systems can be found within virtually all internet-connected devices (e.g., phones, laptops, tablets and smart cars and refrigerators), as well as advanced industrial machinery. After hijacking these systems, cybercriminals may cause their victims’ compromised technology to malfunction or completely shut down, potentially creating business disruptions, inflicting major physical damage and even putting individuals’ safety at risk. Similar to ransomware incidents, cybercriminals may require substantial payments amid jackware cyberattacks before restoring victims’ devices.
As a growing number of businesses across industry lines rely on embedded systems to conduct critical operations, jackware incidents could become increasingly common and severe. With this in mind, it’s crucial for businesses to understand and effectively address this attack vector. This article provides additional information on the potential implications of jackware cyberattacks, outlines the latest real-world examples of these incidents and offers prevention measures for businesses to consider.
Implications of Jackware Cyberattacks
Embedded systems play a key role in a wide range of critical business services and activities. These systems have been implemented within virtually all sectors through the use of smart technology and machine learning. Such systems are particularly prevalent within the critical infrastructure, health care and public transportation industries. Having these systems compromised by jackware cyberattacks can result in serious consequences for affected businesses.
Here’s a breakdown of significant implications businesses could face from having their embedded systems compromised during jackware incidents:
- Interruption issues—Upon taking control of companies’ embedded systems, cybercriminals may shut down certain devices or render them unusable, putting any operations that rely on this technology at complete standstills. For instance, a manufacturing business could be forced to halt its product assembly line if a crucial piece of machinery used during the assembly process ceases to work. These interruptions could last for a few hours, or press on for multiple days. Without the ability to use critical technology for prolonged periods, businesses could experience major delays and lost income. If they are unable to recover hijacked devices, companies may even need to pay for technology repairs or replacements to stay operational.
- Malfunction concerns—Apart from shutting down embedded systems, cybercriminals may also intentionally cause companies’ technology to malfunction or operate ineffectively amid jackware incidents. For example, a restaurant that utilizes smart refrigerators to store food at proper temperatures could encounter spoilage issues or inadvertently serve customers unsafe meals if its operational technology is altered. In addition to inflicting widespread physical damage, such malfunctions could negatively impact companies’ productivity levels, increase their liability exposures, and possibly result in the need to issue product recalls.
- Safety risks—In some cases, cybercriminals may compromise companies’ embedded systems in ways that threaten the safety of others. For instance, a hospital that leverages medical technology could end up providing incorrect diagnoses or improper treatment to patients if its devices become hijacked. Additionally, a transportation company that utilizes vehicles equipped with smart devices may face elevated accident risks on the road if its technology falls victim to jackware . These incidents could be particularly devastating, resulting in serious emotional harm, physical injuries, or fatalities.
Ultimately, the severe consequences associated with jackware attacks highlight just how crippling these incidents can be for impacted businesses. As a result, some cybersecurity experts have coined jackware as “ransomware’s more dangerous cousin.”
Examples of Jackware Incidents
Several notable jackware cyberattacks have occurred across the globe. Some of these incidents include:
- The blast furnace incident—In 2014, cybercriminals gained control of the embedded systems in a blast furnace at a steel manufacturing facility in Germany. In doing so, the cybercriminals caused the furnace to overheat and burn down a substantial portion of the facility. The incident forced the facility to close its doors permanently.