Southern Water Denies Claims of Ransom Payment to Hackers
Southern Water has dodged question on paying up ransomware demand. The water company faced a major cyberattack in February 2024, which resulted in customer data being stolen and leaked on the dark web by infamous ransomware operator Black Basta. Despite allegations that Southern Water paid a ransom of $750,000 to hackers, the company has avoided confirming or denying the claim.
- It is striking how the breach of Southern Water highlights the vulnerability of utility companies to cyberattacks, which can have severe consequences for public health and safety.
- What regulatory frameworks would be necessary to prevent similar incidents in the future, particularly in industries that rely heavily on critical infrastructure?