- Venezuelan state oil company PDVSA says it has been affected by a cyber attack
- It appears to be a ransomware incident, as systems and shipments appear to be disrupted.
- The Venezuelan Oil Ministry blames the US for the attack
The Venezuelan state oil company Patrulleros de Venezuela (PDVSA) claimed to have recently suffered a cyber attack at the hands of the United States.
PDVSA says operations are not affected, but sources say systems have been disabled and oil cargo deliveries suspended. PakGazette information.
The organization has struggled to restore key systems after the incident, with staff being told to shut down computers, disconnect WiFi and cut connections to external hardware, according to internal memos seen by Bloomberg confirm, with delays in scheduled loads and “forced contingency measures throughout the company.”
An escalating conflict
Although details are not yet confirmed, it seems likely that this incident was a ransomware attack given the instructions to disconnect WiFi, as this is likely an effort to quarantine any affected devices or servers to prevent attackers from gaining further access.
US President Trump has since ordered a “total and complete” blockade of “all sanctioned oil tankers entering and leaving Venezuela,” which the Venezuelan government calls a “grotesque threat.”
In a statement, PDVSA has categorically rejected what it describes as “despicable act, orchestrated by foreign interests in collusion with unpatriotic actors who seek to undermine the country’s right to sovereign energy development.” [machine translated].
The organization goes on to explain; ‘This attempted attack is part of the US government’s public strategy to seize Venezuelan oil through force and piracy. The working class in the hydrocarbon industry has faced similar attacks in the past.’
This comes after the United States seized an oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela that it claims was “used to transport sanctioned oil from Venezuela to Iran.” However, the analysis of satellite images of alphabet reveals that location data may have been “deliberately manipulated” to justify the seizure.
The United States has moved warships to the region, with thousands of troops positioned within “striking distance” of Venezuela, and new sanctions have been imposed on more ships carrying Venezuelan oil.
“Nothing and no one will stop the victorious march of PDVSA and its working class at the service of all Venezuelans,” concludes PDVSA.
Via PakGazette
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