China-linked attackers target India’s power infra: What you need to know

First reported by the New York Times on Monday, Security Consulting Recorded Future said the attackers (called RedEcho) were targeting at least "10 separate power sector organizations" with malware known as ShadowPad.

China's government-linked attackers may have gained access to computer networks as part of India's power infrastructure, according to a US-based cybersecurity firm, citing technical clues that federal power ministry officials have been on their radar separately. Here's all you need to know about the disclosure:

It fueled speculation that a blackout in Mumbai last year might have been the result of sabotage.

• First reported by the New York Times on Monday, Security Consulting Recorded Future said the attackers (called RedEcho) were targeting at least "10 separate power sector organizations" with malware known as ShadowPad.

• Hours after the disclosure, the Union Power Ministry stated that it had received input from Indian agencies—first in November and then again in February of this year—about the threat of ShadowPad infection, prompting remedial action.

The Ministry said that no data breach or data loss has been identified as a result of these incidents.

• The Ministry's statement appeared to suggest that the attacks were not behind the October 12, 2020 power outage in Mumbai, which lasted up to 12 hours in some parts of India's financial capital, halted the city's local trains, and forced the airport to switch back-up.