**Ransomware Attack Hits Romanian Water Agency, Disrupting Services for Over 1,000 Systems**

The Romanian National Administration of Waters (ANAR) has fallen victim to a devastating ransomware attack, compromising over 1,000 systems and disrupting its services. The attack occurred on December 20, when an unidentified threat actor struck the agency's geographical information system applications servers, database servers, Windows workstations, Windows Servers, email and web servers, and domain name servers.

The impact of the attack has been significant, with almost all of the country's river basin management organizations affected. However, it's reassuring to note that hydrotechnical operations continue as normal, thanks to on-site staff who are working tirelessly to maintain essential services. The agency's website remains offline at present, and official news is being disseminated through alternative channels, including the X account of the Romanian National Cyber Security Directorate (DNSC).

ANAR is a state-owned public institution operating under the Ministry of Environment, responsible for managing Romania's surface and groundwater resources, overseeing dams, reservoirs, and flood defense infrastructure, as well as monitoring water quality nationwide. The agency plays a crucial role in flood prevention, drought mitigation, and compliance with EU water directives.

The ransomware attack has left many files encrypted, with a ransom note left behind. According to DNSC, the threat actors used Windows BitLocker to encrypt files, suggesting that this was not the work of a prolific hacking group. The agency has stated that it will not negotiate with the attackers or pay the ransom, as recommended by DNSC.

DNCS stressed that their policy and recommendation towards victims of ransomware attacks is to neither contact nor negotiate with cyberattackers, in order to avoid encouraging or financing the cybercrime phenomenon. They also advise against contacting the IT&C teams of ANAR or river basin administrations, so they can focus on restoring impacted IT services.

**What's Next for ANAR?**

As the agency works to restore its services and contain the damage, questions are being raised about how such a large-scale attack could have occurred. An investigation is likely to be launched to determine the extent of the breach and identify the responsible parties.

The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of cybersecurity in critical infrastructure organizations. As we navigate an increasingly complex digital landscape, it's essential that agencies like ANAR prioritize their defenses and invest in robust security measures to prevent such attacks in the future.

**Protect Your Organization from Ransomware Attacks**

With ransomware attacks on the rise, it's crucial for organizations to take proactive steps to protect themselves. Here are some top tips:

* **Implement robust cybersecurity measures**, including regular software updates, firewalls, and antivirus protection. * **Conduct thorough risk assessments** to identify vulnerabilities and address them before an attack occurs. * **Develop a comprehensive incident response plan**, outlining procedures for containing and mitigating the impact of a ransomware attack.

By staying vigilant and proactive, organizations can minimize their risk of falling victim to a devastating ransomware attack.