# Utilities Assess Ransomware Defenses

A CyberScoop article describes Warlock ransomware attacks in which threat actors disabled security tools shortly before deploying ransomware, highlighting the limits of protections that depend on monitoring and human response. Utility cybersecurity buyers and procurement teams should assess whether controls continue to protect systems when sensors go offline and evaluate patching, endpoint detection and response, tamper protection, and device-level controls that operate locally.

- Procurement requirements and vendor evaluations can test how endpoint protections behave when monitoring tools are disabled or unavailable.
- Utility organizations should prioritize capabilities identified in the article: timely patching, endpoint detection and response, tamper protection, and controls that act locally on devices.

**Jurisdictions:** international
**Industries:** Energy & Utilities
**Topics:** Cybersecurity
**Published:** October 27, 2026

### Sources
- [What happens when security tools go dark before the ransomware | CyberScoop](https://cyberscoop.com/warlock-ransomware-storm-2603-sharepoint-attacks-op-ed) - CyberScoop