HP Enterprise Hacked by Suspected State-Backed Russian Hackers

Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) has recently disclosed a significant breach in its cloud-based email system, believed to be perpetrated by suspected state-backed Russian hackers. This cybersecurity incident, revealed in a Securities and Exchange Commission regulatory filing, is a troubling example of the sophisticated and persistent nature of state-sponsored cyberattacks.

The Breach and Its Discovery

HPE was informed of the intrusion on January 12, 2024, with the company suspecting the involvement of Cozy Bear, a unit of Russia’s SVR foreign intelligence service. Cozy Bear, also known as Midnight Blizzard, APT29, and Nobelium, has been linked to multiple attacks, including the infamous 2020 SolarWinds supply chain attack.

The breach began in May 2023, when the threat actors accessed and exfiltrated data from a small percentage of HPE mailboxes belonging to individuals in its cybersecurity, go-to-market, business segments, and other functions.

Implications for HP Enterprise Customers

The recent breach at Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) raises significant concerns for its customers, particularly regarding the security and privacy of their data. As a provider of a wide range of information technology products and services, HPE’s clientele includes large corporations, small and medium-sized businesses, and government entities. The breach’s implications are multifaceted:

1. Potential Data Exposure: While HPE stated that the breach involved a small percentage of mailboxes belonging to its employees and had no material impact on its operations, customers may still be concerned about the potential indirect exposure of their data. If any communication or shared information between HPE employees and customers was accessed, it could lead to sensitive information being compromised.

2. Trust and Reliability: For customers, trust in their service providers’ ability to secure their data is paramount. A breach of this magnitude could lead to concerns about HPE’s cybersecurity measures and its capacity to protect customer data against sophisticated cyberattacks.

3. Need for Vigilance: HPE customers should be extra vigilant in the wake of this breach. They need to monitor their systems for any unusual activity and consider strengthening their own security measures. It’s also advisable for customers to stay in close communication with HPE for updates on the breach and any recommended actions.

4. Regulatory Compliance and Legal Implications: Customers in regulated industries need to assess the breach’s impact on their compliance with data protection laws and regulations. They may need to conduct their own investigations or audits to ensure compliance and mitigate any legal risks.

5. Long-term Security Enhancements: In response to the breach, HPE is likely to enhance its cybersecurity measures. This could lead to improved security protocols and technologies for HPE’s products and services, ultimately benefiting customers in the long run.

6. Customer Support and Transparency: Effective communication and support from HPE during this time are crucial. Customers will expect transparency regarding the breach’s details, the steps HPE is taking to address it, and any potential impacts on their services and data.

While the breach at HPE is concerning, it also serves as a reminder of the ever-present cyber threats in today’s digital world. Customers of HPE should remain informed, vigilant, and proactive in their approach to data security and continue to collaborate with HPE to ensure the ongoing protection of their information and systems.

Scope and Impact

According to HPE, the accessed data was limited to information contained in the users’ mailboxes. While the total scope of mailboxes and emails accessed remains under investigation, the company has stated that the breach has had no material impact on its operations or financial health. HPE’s spokesman, Adam R. Bauer, stated that the compromised email boxes were running Microsoft software.

Response and Remediation

Upon notification of the breach, HPE activated its cyber response protocols, beginning an investigation and remediation process. They are working with external cybersecurity experts and law enforcement to investigate the incident further. The company has also complied with new regulatory disclosure guidelines, filing a Form 8-K with the Securities & Exchange Commission to inform investors and the public about the incident.

Related Incidents

This breach coincides with a similar intrusion disclosed by Microsoft, where the Russian hackers accessed accounts of senior Microsoft executives as well as cybersecurity and legal employees. Microsoft’s breach was caused by a misconfigured test tenant account that allowed the hackers to brute force the account’s password and gain access to corporate email accounts.

Previous Breaches and Security Incidents

HPE has experienced security breaches in the past. In 2018, Chinese hackers breached HPE’s and IBM’s network and then used that access to hack into their customers’ devices. More recently, in 2021, HPE disclosed that the data repositories for its Aruba Central network monitoring platform were compromised, allowing a threat actor to access data about monitored devices and their locations.

The breach of HPE’s email system by suspected state-backed Russian hackers underscores the ongoing challenge of cybersecurity in the face of sophisticated state-sponsored attacks. It highlights the need for robust security measures and vigilant monitoring to protect against such threats. As cyber threats continue to evolve, companies like HPE must remain proactive in their defense strategies to safeguard their data and systems against future attacks.