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Perth-based operational technology firm Intellect Systems has been targeted by the Akira ransomware group, which claims to have stolen 10GB of sensitive corporate and personal data. The attack highlights the growing threat to the critical infrastructure sector through vulnerable network devices.
Cyber News Centre's cyber update for 26th September 2025: Perth-based operational technology (OT) solutions provider Intellect Systems has been listed as a victim of the Akira ransomware group, with the threat actors claiming to have stolen a significant amount of sensitive data.
Intellect Systems is a Perth-based company specialising in end-to-end operational technology solutions for the resources, energy, infrastructure, and manufacturing sectors. Acquired by the Fortune 200 company Quanta Services in March, the firm provides critical services including control systems, electrical engineering, and industrial IT.
Update: The Akira ransomware group has claimed responsibility for a significant data breach at Intellect Systems, a Perth-based operational technology (OT) firm. The threat actors, who listed the company on their dark web leak site, allege to have exfiltrated 10GB of highly sensitive data. The stolen information reportedly includes employee passports, driver's licences, medical records, and financial details, alongside corporate contracts and project information.
This incident is part of a broader campaign by Akira, which has been actively exploiting a year-old vulnerability in SonicWall SSL VPN devices (CVE-2024-40766) to target Australian organisations. The Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) issued a high-priority alert on 10th September 2025, warning of this specific threat and urging businesses to patch vulnerable systems and reset credentials. Intellect Systems has not yet publicly commented on the alleged breach.
Why it Matters: The attack on Intellect Systems is a stark reminder of the vulnerability of the operational technology sector, which underpins critical infrastructure. OT environments, which manage physical processes in industries like energy and manufacturing, are increasingly targeted by ransomware groups. A successful breach in this sector can lead not only to data theft but also to the disruption of essential services.
The incident demonstrates how threat actors can exploit known vulnerabilities in widely used network hardware to penetrate otherwise secure perimeters. For Australian businesses, it highlights the critical importance of timely patching, robust credential management, and a comprehensive understanding of supply chain risks.
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