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The Everest ransomware group has breached ASRock Rack, a major server hardware vendor, stealing 509GB of sensitive data including firmware, BIOS, and other critical files. The breach creates a significant supply chain risk, potentially allowing attackers to embed vulnerabilities in server hardware.
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A series of cyber attacks on Australian defence supply chain contractors has exposed sensitive material relating to major weapons programs, including the Redback infantry fighting vehicle.
Cyber News Centre's cyber update for 1st December 2025: A series of cyber attacks on Australian defence supply chain contractors has compromised material relating to Australia's weapons programs.
IKAD Engineering, a key player in the Australian defence industry, and overseas contractors involved in the ADF’s new Redback infantry fighting vehicle programme have been affected. The breaches have exposed sensitive data and highlight significant vulnerabilities in the nation’s defence industry and critical infrastructure.
Update: A series of cyber attacks on defence industry supply chain contractors has exposed threats to Australia's weapons programs. Recently it was revealed that a hacker group shared material about Australia's $7 billion Land 400 military program after allegedly breaching several Israeli defence companies. The Cyber Toufan group posted images and details on Telegram about the Australian Defence Force's (ADF) next-generation Redback infantry fighting vehicle.
Another group, J Group, claimed responsibility for a cyber attack on IKAD Engineering, a key player in the Australian defence industry. The ransomware gang alleges it infiltrated the company's systems for five months, exfiltrating 800GB of data, including information relating to Australian naval contracts, such as the Hunter Class frigate and Collins Class submarine programs. IKAD Engineering chief executive Gerard Dyson confirmed the incident, stating an "external third party" had gained unauthorised access to a portion of its internal IT systems.
Why it Matters: These incidents are a stark reminder of the importance of supply-chain cyber-resilience. The breaches highlight a structural problem in defence and high-security industries: the entire supply chain constitutes the attack surface. Even data that the supplier characterises as “non-sensitive” can hold strategic value.
Metadata, file structure, subcontractor networks, and project timelines may provide malicious actors with a roadmap to more critical systems. The timing of these breaches coincides with heightened warnings from Australia’s intelligence community. The head of ASIO recently stated that state-backed hacking groups are intensifying efforts to infiltrate Australia’s critical infrastructure and defence supply chains.
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The Everest ransomware group has breached ASRock Rack, a major server hardware vendor, stealing 509GB of sensitive data including firmware, BIOS, and other critical files. The breach creates a significant supply chain risk, potentially allowing attackers to embed vulnerabilities in server hardware.
A newly disclosed vulnerability in Schneider Electric's Foxboro DCS, a widely used industrial control system, could allow attackers to disrupt critical infrastructure operations. The flaw, originally from Intel, affects energy and manufacturing sectors worldwide, including Australia.
Microsoft has issued an emergency patch for a critical zero-day vulnerability (CVE-2026-20805) in its Windows operating system that is being actively exploited by attackers. The flaw affects all supported versions of Windows.
Japanese automaker Nissan is the latest victim of the Everest ransomware group, which claims to have stolen 900GB of sensitive data. The breach, announced January 10, threatens internal records, dealer info, and possibly customer data —raising serious concerns for its Australian operations.
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