Iranian-linked cyberattack cripples global medical technology company
An Iranian-linked hacker group is suspected of launching a cyberattack that has crippled a global medical technology company.
The attack is apparently the first retaliatory strike by hackers linked to Iran since the U.S. and Israel began military operations against the country 11 days ago.
Stryker, based in Kalamazoo, Michigan, initially responded to the attack in Cork, Ireland, where it employs 5,000 people, and reported the incident to Ireland’s National Cyber Security Center, according to the Irish Examiner. The company was the victim of a “wiper” attack that deleted data on computers and other devices connected to its network. The data cannot be retrieved, the Examiner reported.
The affected devices reportedly now display the logo of Handala Hack, a group believed to be affiliated with the Iranian regime, on their login pages. Stryker may have been attacked because of business interests in Israel.
“Anything connected to the network is down,” an unidentified Stryker employee told the Examiner. “All support staff, administrative staff and engineers have been sent home. And anyone with Outlook on their personal phones had their phones wiped.”
In a statement to employees, Stryker said it was working with security experts and law enforcement.
“Our people and our sites are safe,” the company said. “We are focused on our customers and the patients they serve, while ensuring the continuity of their operations and our own.”
This is a developing story and will be updated.
Ella Rae Greene, Editor In Chief
