Search This Blog
Powered by Blogger.

Blog Archive

Labels

About Me

Load More
Trendy Right Now

Popular Posts

Showing posts with label Ascension Cyber Attacks. Show all posts
Interlock ransomware
Ascension Cyber Attacks critical infrastructure attack cybersecurity threat Double extortion FBI CISA advisory Healthcare Interlock ransomware

CISA, FBI Issue Alert Over Rising Interlock Ransomware Attacks on Critical Infrastructure

 

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) have raised an alarm over an increase in ransomware activity linked to the Interlock gang. The advisory, released on Tuesday in collaboration with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center (MS-ISAC), warns that the group is actively targeting businesses and critical infrastructure in double extortion attacks.

The alert includes indicators of compromise (IOCs) gathered from recent investigations—some as recent as June 2025—and outlines protective measures for network defenders.

Emerging in September 2024, Interlock is a relatively new but rapidly growing ransomware operation. It has launched attacks across various global sectors, with a particular focus on healthcare. The gang has previously been connected to ClickFix intrusions, where they impersonated IT utilities to breach networks, and to malware campaigns using a remote access trojan (RAT) known as NodeSnake, particularly affecting U.K. universities.

The group recently claimed responsibility for cyberattacks on DaVita, a Fortune 500 kidney care company, leaking 1.5 terabytes of stolen data, and Kettering Health, a major healthcare provider with over 120 outpatient locations and more than 15,000 employees.

According to the FBI, the Interlock gang has been observed using unusual methods to infiltrate systems.

"FBI observed actors obtaining initial access via drive-by download from compromised legitimate websites, which is an uncommon method among ransomware groups," the advisory notes.

The gang uses a double extortion model—first stealing and then encrypting victims’ data—forcing organizations to pay not just to restore systems but also to prevent public data leaks.
Read more »
patient data protection
Ascension Cyber Attacks cyber defenses scrutiny Cyber Threats Healthcare cybersecurity patient data protection

Ascension Cyber Attack Heightens Focus on Healthcare Cybersecurity Measures

 

The healthcare sector is increasingly targeted by cybercriminals, as evidenced by recent high-profile attacks that disrupt services and highlight vulnerabilities in this critical industry. The recent cyber attack on Ascension, in particular, has raised concerns due to its significant impact on healthcare operations, resulting in patient diversions and disrupted clinical services across its 139 hospitals.

This attack follows closely behind other major incidents involving United Health and Change Healthcare, where patient data was compromised, and significant financial demands were made. These attacks not only underscore the importance of robust cybersecurity measures within healthcare but also raise concerns about patient privacy and data security.

While details about the Ascension cyber attack are still emerging, there are suspicions that it could be a ransomware attack, given the patterns observed in similar incidents targeting healthcare organizations. Regardless of the exact nature of the attack, any threat to healthcare services has serious consequences.

There is growing evidence suggesting a connection between ransomware attacks and geopolitical aims, with some attacks possibly serving the interests of adversarial nations. This blurring of lines between criminal and state-sponsored activities underscores the need for a more aggressive approach in combating cyber threats to healthcare and critical infrastructure.

Phishing attacks remain a common entry point for cybercriminals, highlighting the need for organizations to adopt more comprehensive strategies to combat them. Traditional defenses like email filters and user awareness training have proven insufficient, emphasizing the importance of innovative approaches to email security.

The Ascension cyber attack serves as a wake-up call for the healthcare industry to strengthen its cyber defenses against evolving threats. As cybercriminals continue to target sensitive patient data and critical healthcare services, proactive measures are essential to safeguarding the integrity of healthcare systems and ensuring uninterrupted patient care.
Read more »
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)