It’s widely known that the Ryhsida Ransomware gang successfully infiltrated the servers of Insomniac, a company specializing in X-Men game development, including the Wolverine series co-developed with Sony Inc. The gang stole crucial data files, totaling 1.67 terabytes, and is now asserting its data breach by gradually releasing the information. Despite not receiving the demanded 50 bitcoins or $2 million, the group has opted to release the stolen data in installments by the year-end, indicating a willingness to sell the information to the highest bidder. The FBI is actively monitoring these developments and is in the process of creating a free decryption tool.
In a contrasting scenario, another ransomware gang, BlackCat, faced a setback when the US Department of Justice directed the FBI to seize its dark web-based URL. BlackCat, also known as ALPHV, managed to regain control of its website and is now demanding a minimum of $4.5 million from its 500-plus victims worldwide. The group plans to double the ransom amount as law enforcement agencies intensify their efforts. In response, the FBI, collaborating with US CERT, has instructed developers to create a free decryption tool for the victims by early January 2024.
HCL Technologies, an IT company specializing in software, made headlines as it experienced a business downgrade by Kotak Institutional Equities due to a ransomware attack. The company’s failure to safeguard customer data led to these business challenges. Despite the malware infecting its cloud environment, HCL Technologies has isolated the threat and is implementing measures outlined in its efficient disaster recovery plan to mitigate risks.
Kaspersky, a Russian-based cybersecurity firm, has identified the Akira Ransomware criminals expanding their global impact by targeting Windows and Linux systems worldwide. Notably, the criminal group has extended its reach to MacOS, considered one of the most secure OS environments provided by Apple Inc. During the holiday season, the threat level has escalated significantly, with cybercriminal gangs engaging in double and triple extortion schemes to secure monetary gains.
