The Handala hacker group has claimed responsibility for breaching Zerto, an Israeli firm specializing in critical cybersecurity services. The Zerto cyberattack reportedly yielded a substantial 51 terabytes of data, potentially exposing sensitive information integral to Zerto’s operations.
Zerto is renowned for its pivotal role in disaster recovery synchronization and site recovery, providing essential services utilized by numerous global enterprises.
The cyberattack on Zerto by Handala, a group sympathetic to Palestinian causes and named after a symbol of Palestinian resilience, highlights the increasing intersection of geopolitical tensions and cybersecurity threats.
Handala Hacker Group Claims Responsibility for Zerto Cyberattack
According to the threat actor’s post, Handala hacker group claims that they have targeted Zerto and also shared multiple screenshots on dashboards associated with the cybersecurity company. The group, previously claimed cyberattack on Israel’s radars and allegedly took down Iron Dome missile defense systems.
The Handala hacker group draws its inspiration from the iconic figure created by Palestinian cartoonist Naji al-Ali. The character, depicted as a ten-year-old with hands clasped behind his back, symbolizes defiance against imposed solutions and solidarity with the marginalized Palestinian population. Since al-Ali’s tragic assassination in 1987, Handala has remained a potent symbol of Palestinian identity, prominently displayed across the West Bank, Gaza, and Palestinian refugee camps.
The cyberattack on Zerto marks another chapter in Handala’s campaign, aligning their actions with broader movements supporting Palestinian rights globally. The group’s activities have resonated within these movements, akin to its adoption by the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions movement and the Iranian Green Movement.
Despite the bold claims by the Handala hacker group, official confirmation from Israeli authorities regarding the extent and impact of the cyberattack is pending. However, security experts within Israel have expressed concerns over the plausibility of Iranian involvement in cyber operations targeting critical Israeli infrastructure.
The Implication of Cyberattack on Zerto
The Cyber Express reached out to Handala for further insights into their motives and objectives behind the Zerto cyberattack. As of the latest update, no formal response has been received, leaving the claims and motivations of the attack unverified. The incident highlights the ongoing cybersecurity challenges faced by firms operating in sensitive sectors, exacerbated by geopolitical tensions and sophisticated cyber threats.
The implications of the Zerto breach are profound, highlighting vulnerabilities in cybersecurity defenses and the need for robust measures to protect critical infrastructure. As stakeholders await further developments, The Cyber Express will be closely monitoring the situation. We’ll update this post once we have more information on the alleged Zerto cyberattack or any official confirmation from the organization.
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