Australia's Federal Police Investigate DP World Hack
Cyberattack Caused Major Container Backlog Disruptions
Overt Operator
November 13, 2023
Australian Federal Police are investigating a cybersecurity incident that has paralyzed Australia's second-largest port operator, DP World Australia, which manages container terminals in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Fremantle.
The port operator, responsible for 40 percent of Australia's maritime freight, shuttered operations on Friday after the cyber attack. At the time of this report, sites were back online, and experts were investigating the cause of the cyberattack.
In a statement, DP World Australia said that it has been working tirelessly with cybersecurity experts to re-establish landslide freight operations at its ports.
Bloomberg reported on Sunday, November 12, that the company has made "significant progress" in recovering from the incident. However, its main systems remain down, preventing trucks from picking up or dropping off containers. Vessels can still load and unload containers at the terminals.
Home Affairs Minister Clare O'Neil took to social media to address the seriousness of the cyber incident, stating that it is ongoing. O'Neil emphasized that DP World Australia manages almost 40 percent of the goods flowing in and out of the country, and the incident is affecting the ports of Melbourne, Fremantle, Botany, and Brisbane.
National Cyber Security Coordinator, Air Marshal Darren Goldie, confirmed that the port operator is closely working with the government to resolve what he described as a "nationally significant cyber incident." The Australian Government is actively collaborating with DP World Australia to address the issue.
DP World Australia has not provided a specific timeframe for when interruptions are expected to cease. The port operator is working diligently to rectify the situation, but the impact on maritime freight operations remains significant.
The incident highlights the vulnerability of critical infrastructure to cyber threats and raises concerns about the potential for disruptions to global supply chains. Cybersecurity experts stress the importance of robust protective measures and constant vigilance to mitigate these risks.
Authorities are urging businesses and organizations to remain vigilant and implement robust cybersecurity measures to prevent future incidents. The Australian Federal Police's investigation into the cyber attack is ongoing, with the goal of identifying the perpetrators and bringing them to justice.
As the investigation continues, DP World Australia and the Australian Government are focused on restoring normal operations at the affected ports and ensuring the security and efficiency of the country's maritime freight industry.