Hack Halts COVID Vaccine Trials
Supply chain attacks can be some of the most crafty. Attack one key piece of the chain, and downstream affects can be monumental.
This is exactly why hackers targeted a software provider that is used in 75% of FDA drug approvals.
Nation-states are suspected in the attack that brought down eResearchTechnology (ERT), a critical software used in clinical trials. The Ransomware affected downstream drug companies who are racing to develop a Coronavirus vaccine.
This attack follows an earlier warning from the US State Department about nation-state attackers targeting COVID vaccine trials.
Companies and research labs on the front lines of the pandemic have been repeat targets for foreign hackers.
ERT's software is used in drug trials around the world, with notable clients like Bristol Myers Squibb.
The FBI and Department of Homeland Security have warned specifically about Chinese and Russian hackers interfering with COVID vaccine trials. Both Putin and Xi Jinping want to claim the first viable vaccine, and their crews are working hard to bring them that victory.
“Health care, pharmaceutical and research sectors working on Covid-19 response should all be aware they are the prime targets of [hackers] and take the necessary steps to protect their systems.” - US F.B.I. warning
It's no secret that we all want a vaccine. It's wild to think cybercriminals could be the ones slowing that process.
The good news is that