**Halliburton Experiences Cyberattack, Shuts Down Systems**
Oil drilling and fracking company Halliburton recently announced that it has shut down some of its internal systems in response to a cyberattack. The company became aware of unauthorized access to its systems on Wednesday and took proactive measures to protect its infrastructure. While Halliburton is working to identify the impact of the incident, the U.S. Department of Energy has stated that there are currently no indications that energy services are being affected.
Halliburton, known for its involvement in the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in 2010, is one of the largest energy companies globally. Following the oil rig explosion, the company reached a settlement with the U.S. government for $1.1 billion. The recent cyberattack on Halliburton was first reported by Reuters.
In response to cyberattacks, it is common for companies to shut down their systems to prevent further unauthorized access. This measure is taken to safeguard breached systems and prevent intruders from gaining access to additional networks. This year, several companies, including Change Healthcare and CDK, have shut down their systems following ransomware attacks.
When questioned about the cyberattack, a Halliburton spokesperson declined to provide further details beyond the company’s official filing. The spokesperson also did not comment on whether the company had received any communication from the intruders or if any measures were being taken to address the potential security issue identified by TechCrunch.
Halliburton’s financials show that the company generated $23 billion in revenue in 2023, representing a 13% increase from the previous year. The company’s chief executive, Jeff Miller, received $19 million in total compensation during the same period.
With the increasing frequency and sophistication of cyberattacks, it is crucial for companies to prioritize cybersecurity. However, it remains unclear who at Halliburton is responsible for overseeing cybersecurity efforts. TechCrunch’s inquiry about this matter went unanswered.
As the investigation into the cyberattack continues, Halliburton will provide any updates or communications through public filings. It is essential for Halliburton and other companies to address security vulnerabilities promptly and transparently to protect their systems and maintain the trust of their stakeholders.