Nation-state actor breaches cloud-based email systems

  • HPE’s cloud-based email system was hacked by a suspected nation-state actor
  • The hacker group is believed to be Midnight Blizzard, also known as Cozy Bear
  • Microsoft also reported a cyber-intrusion by the same group
  • The cyber-attacks did not have a significant impact on operations

Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) has revealed that its cloud-based email system was hacked by a suspected nation-state actor. The group responsible for the cyber-attack is believed to be Midnight Blizzard, also known as Cozy Bear. This comes after Microsoft reported a similar cyber-intrusion by the same group, which accessed a small percentage of its corporate email accounts. Fortunately, both companies have determined that the cyber-attacks did not materially impact their operations.

Public Companies: Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co. (HPE), Microsoft Corp. (MSFT)
Private Companies:
Key People:


Factuality Level: 8
Justification: The article provides specific information about Hewlett Packard Enterprise being hacked by a suspected nation-state actor. It also mentions the name of the threat actor and provides information about Microsoft also being targeted by the same group. The article does not contain any obvious bias or opinion masquerading as fact. However, more details about the impact of the cyber-intrusions on the companies’ operations would have been helpful.

Noise Level: 7
Justification: The article provides information about a cyber attack on Hewlett Packard Enterprise’s cloud-based email system. It mentions the suspected nation-state actor and provides a regulatory filing statement from HPE. It also mentions a similar attack on Microsoft’s network. However, the article lacks in-depth analysis, evidence, or solutions. It does not explore the consequences of the attack or provide any actionable insights. Overall, the article contains relevant information but lacks depth and analysis.

Financial Relevance: Yes
Financial Markets Impacted: Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co. (HPE) and Microsoft Corp. (MSFT)

Presence of Extreme Event: Yes
Nature of Extreme Event: Technological Disruption (cyber-attack)
Impact Rating of the Extreme Event: Minor
Justification: The news article reports a cyber-attack on the cloud-based email systems of Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co. (HPE) and Microsoft Corp. (MSFT). While the attack is attributed to a suspected nation-state actor, both companies have determined that the cyber-intrusions did not materially impact their operations. Therefore, the impact rating of the extreme event is considered minor.

Reported publicly: www.marketwatch.com