Nation-State Actors Target Covid-19 Vaccine Research Amid Mass Vaccination
In a series of alarming developments, nation-state actors have been targeting Covid-19 vaccine research and treatment organizations. Microsoft detected attacks on seven prominent companies in November, including those in India. The European Medicines Agency (EMA) also suffered a data breach, with manipulated data being circulated to undermine trust in vaccines. Mass vaccination has begun in several countries, including India, amidst these cyber threats.
Microsoft, the UK's National Cyber Security Centre, and the World Health Organisation have all issued warnings about cybercriminals targeting Covid-19 vaccine-related organizations. Two EU marketing authorisations for Covid-19 vaccines were granted following an independent scientific assessment, despite the cyber threats. Dr. Reddy's, conducting clinical trials for the Sputnik vaccine, was also targeted by a cyber attack. The EMA is supporting a criminal investigation into its data breach, and law enforcement authorities are taking necessary action. Some of the unlawfully accessed Covid-19 vaccine-related documents have been leaked online, raising concerns about the security of sensitive information.
China is suspected as the nation-state actor behind the cyberattacks on seven pharmaceutical companies and research institutions involved in Covid-19 vaccine and drug development discovered in November. BioNTech, which makes one of the vaccines in partnership with Pfizer, confirmed that its regulatory submission was accessed during the EMA attack.
The cyberattacks and data breaches highlight the urgent need for robust cybersecurity measures to protect Covid-19 vaccine-related information. As mass vaccination continues, it is crucial to maintain trust in vaccines and ensure the safety of those involved in their development and distribution. Authorities are working to investigate and prevent further cyber threats.
