The cyber attack on the computer systems of Distributie Energie Electrica Romania (DEER), the national leader in electricity distribution, was ransomware, but the network equipment is not affected, while the SCADA system is isolated and fully functional, the Energy Ministry said on Monday.

„Romanians must know that they are safe. No cyber attack will leave the country without energy, and critical infrastructure is protected by advanced measures. Distributie Energie Electrica Romania’s SCADA systems are fully functional and isolated, and our technical teams, together with our security partners, are already on the ground to eliminate any risk. Those who orchestrated this attack must know that they will not go unpunished. Romania is strong and ready to face any challenge, be it cyber or political. We have requested the acceleration of the approval of the Emergency Ordinance for the establishment of the Cyber Security Incident Response Center. This center will be a bulwark of our energy security and will turn any destabilization attempt into a stinging failure for the attackers. Too many times we have seen how some want to turn Romania into a theater of subversive operations. That won’t happen in the energy while I’m here. I assure all citizens that the energy system is stable, robust and well defended. Whoever threatens Romania’s energy security will be criminally liable and the consequences will be severe. We will not give in to those who want to harm us!,” Energy Minister Sebastian Birduja said in a press release sent to AGERPRES.

According to the relevant minister, the first investigations show that it was a ransomware attack, and the network equipment has been removed and is not affected.

As a result of the incident, specialized forensic teams have retrieved the digital artifacts resulting from the attack to determine its source, and the authorities are working closely with public authorities responsible for cyber security to identify and counter the attack.

„We reiterate the need for the urgent adoption of the Emergency Ordinance on the establishment and operationalization of the Cyber Security Incident Response Center (CRISCE). The draft law is currently under interministerial approval at the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Labor and Social Solidarity. CRISCE will have the necessary resources and staff to prevent, manage and deter these attacks, ensuring Romania’s energy security,” the Ministry of Energy further said.

The Electrica Group announced on Monday that it is under a cyber attack and that its teams of specialists are working with the national cyber security authorities to manage and remedy the incident, informs a press release sent to the Bucharest Stock Exchange.

AGERPRES