Hacker attack on Acea. The company victim of a ransomware of a Russian-speaking group

Acea’s IT systems were hit by a hacker attack. A ransomware-type attack, likely carried out by the Russian-speaking cybercriminal group, Black Basta. From what Adnkronos has learned and Italian Tech has been able to confirm, the attack is not currently impacting on essential services provided to users (distribution of water and electricity).

From what has emerged so far, the attack was managed by Acea with the National Cybersecurity Agency (ACN) and CNAIPIC of the Postal Police. At this moment, the Company’s internal services are partially involved in the necessary analysis and control activities.

According to several sites that deal with computer security, Black Basta would be a group of hackers of Russian origin. Emerged in April 2022, it would currently affect several hundred companies. The municipal energy and environment company of Rome would be only the latest entry into the sights of the group of attackers. According to a report by the cybersecurity company Socrarar, attacks would have increased by 59% by Black Basta in 2022 alone.

The most active group at the moment is still LockBit, known in Italy for having claimed responsibility for a cyber attack on the Revenue Agency last year, later denied by Sogei. The group later reaffirmed its closeness to Russia after the conflict broke out in Ukraine. Immediately after by number of attacks there would be Black Basta, with 9% of cyberattacks carried out in 2022. According to various reports, it would be a well-organized group and expert in cybercrime.