German drone maker Quantum Systems hit by cyberattack

German drone maker Quantum Systems said it was the target of a cyberattack after identifying what it called a cybersecurity incident at the end of October, n-tv reported. Germany's Bundeswehr grounded the company's drones as a precaution following the incident, the Financial Times reported.

An internal investigation found an active cyberattack carried out by what the company described as hostile actors, Bulgarian outlet 24 Chasa reported, citing the German Press Agency. The threat was contained thanks to a quick response by the company's IT and security teams, working closely with the relevant authorities and in full transparency, Quantum Systems said in a statement. The company did not say how the intrusion was first detected or how long the attackers had access to its systems.

Quantum Systems, based near Munich in Bavaria, said there was no risk to end users or operators of its drone systems. The incident is being investigated together with state authorities and external and internal cybersecurity specialists, the company said.

Germany's defence ministry did not comment on the Financial Times report when asked in Berlin, n-tv reported. The extent of the breach, and whether any data was compromised, were not reported.

Quantum Systems' drones have been used by Ukraine's armed forces in its defence against Russia, n-tv reported. Companies at the forefront of supporting Ukraine become targets of attacks because their work is critical to their clients' security, the company said in its statement.

The manufacturer said it had plans in place to limit the consequences of such threats and aimed to meet the highest standards of data and systems security, aware of the responsibility it holds, according to its statement.