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Showing posts with label Ransomware attack. Show all posts
Third-Party Vendor Risk
Cyber Threats Cybersecurity Incident Digital Identity Theft Discord DataBreach Government ID Leak Information Security Privacy Ransomware attack SLH Third-Party Vendor Risk

Thousands of Government IDs at Risk Following Breach Involving Discord’s Verification Partner


Currently, one of the threats associated with digital identity verification can often be found in the form of cyberattacks targeting third-party service providers linked to Discord, with the result that sensitive personal data belonging to nearly 70,000 users may have been exposed. 

There has been a growing concern over the growing vulnerabilities surrounding databases created in compliance with online safety laws, which aim to protect minors, following the incident which affected a company responsible for managing customer support and mandatory age verification on behalf of the popular chat platform. 

A number of cybersecurity experts claim that this incident is part of a larger surge in attacks exploiting these newly developed compliance-driven data repositories that have been discovered in recent years. The company has confirmed that Discord's infrastructure and systems are secure. 

However, the compromised data is said to include government-issued ID documents like passports and driver's licenses, as well as names, email addresses, and limited credit card information, among others. While the company maintains that no payment information or account passwords have been accessed, some customer support communications have been exposed as well. 

During the past several months, a major cybersecurity breach has revealed a lack of trust on the part of third-party providers who are assigned the responsibility of protecting identity data -- a dependencies that continue to become a critical point of failure in today's interconnected digital ecosystems. 

In addition to government ID images, a further investigation into the breach has revealed that the attackers may have been able to access much more personal data beyond the images of government IDs, including the names of users, emails, contact information, IP addresses, and even correspondence with Discord's customer service representatives, among other things. 

Individuals familiar with the matter have reported that the perpetrators attempted to extort the company and demanded a ransom in exchange for the information they had stolen. Discord has confirmed that no credit card information or account passwords were compromised as a result of the incident.

In spite of the fact that the breach was initially disclosed last week, new information released on Wednesday suggests that up to 70,000 photo ID documents may have been exposed as a result. In a recent interview with a spokesperson for the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), the UK’s independent regulator responsible for handling data protection and privacy issues, it was confirmed that it had received a report from Discord and that they are currently reviewing the information provided. 

There has been an increase in the number of compromised photographs as a result of users submitting their identity to Discord's contracted customer service provider during age verification and account recovery appeals. These appeals are designed to ensure compliance with regulations restricting access to online services to individuals under the age of 18. 

As a result of the incident, we are reminded how extensive the consequences can be when consumer-facing digital platforms are compromised. A once-exclusive platform for gaming communities, Discord has now grown into one of the biggest communication platforms with over 200 million users daily, including businesses that use it to maintain customer relationships and community engagement, as well as manage customer interactions and engagement with customers. 

Originally named Scattered Lapsu$ Hunters (SLH), the group responsible for this attack originally identified itself as a group that was allegedly connected to several notorious cybercrime networks. Even though BleepingComputer reported that SLH had revised its account, directing suspicion towards another group with whom it is allegedly collaborating, after confirming the claim. 

It has been noted by experts that this type of overlapping affiliation is quite common among cybercriminal networks since they tend to share techniques, switch alliances, and interchangeable members in ways that blur attribution efforts. As Rescancharacterised it, SLH is a coalition that draws its tactics from Scattered Spider, Lapsu$, Sand hiHiny Hunters, well known for launching attacks on third parties, exploiting social engineering as a method of attacking vendors rather than deploying conventional malware. 

In almost two weeks, Discord released the news about the breach after revoking access to its support partner's systems and engaging the services of an external cybersecurity expert. The company has since notified affected users, emphasised that all official communication regarding the incident will be issued solely through its verified address, noreply@discord.com, reiterating that it will never contact users via phone calls or unsolicited messages. 

SLH (Scattered Lapsu$ Hunters) were reportedly responsible for the infiltration of the Zendesk instance on Discord starting on September 20, 2025, allegedly maintaining unauthorised access for roughly 58 hours. According to the hackers, the intrusion was triggered by a compromised account belonging to an outsourced business process provider's support agent—an incident that highlights the continuing threats that exist in third-party systems that have weak or stolen credentials. 

In the course of the attack, it has been reported that around 1.6 terabytes of data were stolen, including customer support tickets, partial payment records, and images used to verify identity. While the attacker initially demanded a ransom of $5 million, it was later dropped to $3.5 million, a negotiation tactic commonly used when victims refuse to comply with the attacker's demands. 

According to cybersecurity analysts, the breach demonstrates organisations can be exposed to significant vulnerabilities inadvertently by third-party vendors even if they maintain robust internal security defences. In many cases, attacks target external supply chains and support partners as their security protocols may differ from those of the primary organisation, so attackers often take advantage of those weaknesses. 

According to experts, the compromised dataset in this case contains sensitive identifiers, billing information, and private message exchanges - data that users normally regard as highly confidential. Experts have emphasised that this isn't the only incident associated with Discord in recent years. As a result of another support agent's credentials being compromised, the platform disclosed a similar breach in March 2023, exposing emails and attachments submitted by customers through support tickets. 

The recurrence of such events has prompted stronger vendor management policies to be established, as well as multifactor authentication for all contractor accounts, as well as stricter scrutiny on the access of sensitive information by third parties. Even a well-established platform like Discord remains vulnerable to cyberattacks if trust is extended beyond its digital walls. This is the lesson that has been learned from the Discord breach. 

A cybersecurity expert emphasised that the urgent need for companies to review their reliance on external vendors to handle sensitive verification data is becoming increasingly apparent as the investigation continues. To safeguard user privacy, it has become essential to strengthen contractual security obligations, implement strict credential management, and conduct periodic third-party audits. These steps are now seen as non-negotiable steps. 

As a result of this incident, individuals are reminded how crucial it is to take proactive measures such as enabling multi-factor authentication, verifying the authenticity of official communications, and monitoring their financial and identity activities for potential irregularities. With cyberattacks becoming more sophisticated and opportunistic, it is becoming increasingly crucial to use both vigilance on the part of individuals as well as corporate responsibility to prevent them. 

Ultimately, the Discord case illustrates a broader truth about the current digital landscape-security is no longer restricted to the company's own systems, but extends to all partners, platforms, and processes that are connected to them. The organisations must continue to balance compliance, convenience, and consumer trust, but the strength of the entire chain will ultimately depend on how well they can secure the weakest link.
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Ransomware attack
Data Breach Data Theft DCS J Group Ransomware attack

Ransomware Gang Claims Boeing, Samsung Supplier Breach in 11GB Data Theft

 

A ransomware group named J GROUP claims to have breached Dimensional Control Systems (DCS), stealing 11GB of sensitive data, including proprietary software architecture, client metadata, and internal security procedures. 

DCS, a Michigan-based provider of dimensional engineering software, serves major clients such as Boeing, Samsung, Siemens, and Volkswagen across aerospace, automotive, and electronics sectors.

Alleged data exposure

J GROUP published sample files on its leak site to substantiate the attack, comprising a text file and a compressed folder containing documents with employee names and expense reports. Cybernews researchers analyzed the samples but could not verify their authenticity, cautioning that cybercriminals often reuse data from past breaches to falsely support new extortion claims.

Company response and risks

As of the report, DCS has neither confirmed nor denied the breach, maintaining public silence. Local media outlets in Michigan contacted the company for comment but received no response. 

If the breach is confirmed, it could lead to severe consequences, including intellectual property theft, supply chain vulnerabilities, exposure of client data, and regulatory repercussions. The incident may also damage DCS’s reputation, eroding client trust and questioning its technical and security reliability.

Rising threat 

This incident aligns with a growing trend of ransomware attacks targeting third-party vendors to access high-value industrial clients. Previous attacks on firms like Nissan and Dell highlight similar tactics, where threat actors exploit service providers to infiltrate larger organizations. 

The alleged breach underscores the need for stringent cybersecurity measures across extended supply chains, particularly in manufacturing and engineering sectors reliant on specialized software. 

Organizations are urged to audit vendor security protocols and enhance monitoring for early threat detection. The situation remains ongoing, with no official statement from DCS as of publication.
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Ransomware attack
Australia Cyber Attacks pharma scam Ransomware attack

Toowoomba Pharmacy Targeted in Ransomware Attack

A pharmacy in Toowoomba, Queensland, has become the latest victim of a ransomware attack, highlighting growing concerns about the digital vulnerability of small businesses. 

The incident occurred last month when hackers gained access to the Friendlies Society Dispensary’s private IT systems. Authorities believe sensitive data stored on the system may have been compromised. 

A coordinated investigation is now underway, involving the National Office of Cyber Security, the Australian Cyber Security Centre, Services Australia, Queensland Health, the National Disability Insurance Agency, and the Department of Home Affairs. 

Bayden Johnson, Chief Executive Officer of the Friendlies Society Dispensary, said the organisation acted quickly once the attack was detected. “We immediately took steps to secure our systems and understand the nature of the incident,” he said. “Our priority now is to determine what information was accessed and ensure all necessary precautions are taken.” 

The pharmacy, which offers healthcare services and mobility support equipment, is cooperating fully with federal authorities. The Department of Home Affairs stated that Services Australia’s systems remain secure and were not affected by the breach. It added that ongoing monitoring is being carried out to detect any irregular activity. 

According to the Australian Signals Directorate (ASD), ransomware incidents account for 11 percent of all reported cyberattacks in the country. 

The ASD’s 2023–24 Annual Cyber Threat Report revealed that a cybercrime report is lodged roughly every six minutes, with small businesses reporting an average loss of $49,600 per attack. 

Associate Professor Saeed Akhlaghpour from the University of Queensland’s Cyber Research Centre said cybercriminals are constantly evolving their tactics. “Attackers are no longer just locking files; they are also stealing and leaking data. Ransomware can even be delivered through browsers, apps, or malicious file uploads,” he explained. 

Dr Akhlaghpour, who researches cybersecurity risks in the healthcare sector, said health organisations such as pharmacies, medical practices, and gyms often face higher risks due to inconsistent monitoring and handling of sensitive information. 

He noted that human error is still the leading cause of ransomware attacks, as employees often reuse passwords or click on unsafe links in haste. With the rise of AI-powered tools that make it easier for criminals to conduct large-scale attacks, he urged small business owners to invest in better cybersecurity systems and response plans. 

“Many breaches occur because of poor risk management and the absence of a clear response strategy,” he said. “Regular monitoring can prevent many of these problems.” 

Dr Akhlaghpour also advised businesses not to pay ransoms if they fall victim to an attack. “You cannot trust criminals. Paying the ransom rarely restores data and often leads to further targeting. Stolen data is frequently resold on the dark web,” he warned. 

Authorities continue to monitor the situation in Toowoomba as cybersecurity experts remind small business owners across Australia to take preventive measures and strengthen their defences against the growing threat of ransomware.
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Volvo
Data Breach DataCarry Miljödata Ransomware attack Volvo

Volvo NA Employee Data Exposed in Miljödata Ransomware Attack

 

Volvo North America recently disclosed that sensitive employee information was compromised following a ransomware attack targeting its HR software provider, Miljödata. The breach, attributed to the DataCarry ransomware group, exposed names and social security numbers of Volvo staff after cybercriminals infiltrated Miljödata’s cloud-hosted Adato system in August 2025.

The confirmation of Volvo’s affected data came on September 2, several days after Miljödata detected the intrusion on August 23. Miljödata responded by initiating an investigation, collaborating with cybersecurity experts, and enhancing security measures to prevent future incidents, while Volvo Group continues to closely monitor the evolving situation.

DataCarry claimed responsibility for the attack, posting Miljödata’s stolen files on a dark web site for download. Adato, a specialized HR platform used primarily to manage employee sick leave and rehabilitation, became the focal point of the attack. The fallout extended beyond Volvo, impacting other organizations and municipalities across Sweden, since around 80 percent of Sweden’s 290 municipalities use Miljödata’s software.

Some victims suffered broader data exposure, including phone numbers, addresses, gender, and employment details, depending on how they used Adato. According to the Swedish Herald’s prosecutor Sandra Helgadottir, about 1.5 million individuals were impacted, reflecting the large footprint of Miljödata’s clientele.

Swedish airline SAS, which employed Adato until June 2021, confirmed that current and former employees who joined before June 21, 2021, might have had personal and sick leave information exposed. The City of Stockholm was also affected, despite not operating live systems with Miljödata, with data related to workplace incident reporting and employee accounts among the compromised information.

The attack disrupted services in approximately 200 municipalities, and additional victims included several prominent universities such as Chalmers, Karlstad, Lunds, Linköping, Umeå, and the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, all of which reported being affected due to Adato usage. Uppsala University avoided the breach by running Adato on-premises.

This incident underscores the substantial downstream risks created by third-party vendor breaches, as malicious actors increasingly target interconnected systems holding large volumes of personal and employment data. Organizations affected are responding with investigations, security upgrades, and disclosures to regulatory authorities, highlighting the critical need to safeguard supply chain platforms and scrutinize cloud-hosted environments for vulnerabilities.
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Ransomware attack
Banking data leaks customer data compromise Cyber Attacks Data Leak Data protection data security insight leaked sensitive data Ransomware attack

Insight Partners Ransomware Attack Exposes Data of Thousands of Individuals

 

Insight Partners, a New York-based venture capital and private equity firm, is notifying thousands of individuals that their personal information was compromised in a ransomware attack. The firm initially disclosed the incident in February, confirming that the intrusion stemmed from a sophisticated social engineering scheme that gave attackers access to its systems. Subsequent investigations revealed that sensitive data had also been stolen, including banking details, tax records, personal information of current and former employees, as well as information connected to limited partners, funds, management companies, and portfolio firms. 

The company stated that formal notification letters are being sent to all affected parties, with complimentary credit monitoring and identity protection services offered as part of its response. It clarified that individuals who do not receive a notification letter by the end of September 2025 can assume their data was not impacted. According to filings with California’s attorney general, which were first reported by TechCrunch, the intrusion occurred in October 2024. Attackers exfiltrated data before encrypting servers on January 16, 2025, in what appears to be the culmination of a carefully planned ransomware campaign. Insight Partners explained that the attacker gained access to its environment on or around October 25, 2024, using advanced social engineering tactics. 

Once inside, the threat actor began stealing data from affected servers. Months later, at around 10:00 a.m. EST on January 16, the same servers were encrypted, effectively disrupting operations. While the firm has confirmed the theft and encryption, no ransomware group has claimed responsibility for the incident so far. A separate filing with the Maine attorney general disclosed that the breach impacted 12,657 individuals. The compromised information poses risks ranging from financial fraud to identity theft, underscoring the seriousness of the incident. 

Despite the scale of the attack, Insight Partners has not yet responded to requests for further comment on how it intends to manage recovery efforts or bolster its cybersecurity posture going forward. Insight Partners is one of the largest venture capital firms in the United States, with over $90 billion in regulatory assets under management. Over the past three decades, it has invested in more than 800 software and technology startups globally, making it a key player in the tech investment ecosystem. 

The breach marks a significant cybersecurity challenge for the firm as it balances damage control, regulatory compliance, and the trust of its investors and partners.
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Technology
AI training threat Artists&Clients hack LunaLock ransomware Ransomware attack stolen artwork Technology

Ransomware Group Uses AI Training Threats in Artists & Clients Cyberattack

 

Cybercriminals behind ransomware attacks are adopting new intimidation methods to push victims into paying up. In a recent case, the LunaLock ransomware gang has escalated tactics by threatening to sell stolen artwork for AI training datasets.

The popular platform Artists&Clients, which connects artists with clients for commissioned projects, was hacked around August 30. According to reports, a ransom note appeared on the site’s homepage stating: “All files have been encrypted and the site has been breached.” The attackers demanded at least $50,000 in Bitcoin or Monero, promising to delete stolen data and restore access once payment was made.

What sets this attack apart is the warning that stolen artwork could be handed over to “AI companies” to train large language models. This is especially alarming as Artists&Clients explicitly prohibits AI involvement on its platform. Security researcher Tammy Harper highlighted, “this is the first known instance of a ransomware group explicitly using AI training as a threat to extort victims.”

If the ransom is not paid, LunaLock claims it will leak sensitive information including personal data, commissions, and payment records—potentially triggering GDPR violations in Europe. While the group did not clarify how they would provide the artwork to AI firms, experts suggest they might simply publish an open database accessible to AI crawlers.

Currently, the Artists&Clients website is offline, leaving users anxious about compromised messages, transactions, and commissioned work. No official statement has been released by the platform. Harper emphasized that this tactic may hit creators especially hard, as many strongly oppose their work being exploited for AI training without consent or compensation.
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Ransomware attack
Cyber Fraud Data Stolen MathWorks Ransomware attack

MathWorks Confirms Ransomware Incident that Exposed Personal Data of Over 10,000 People

 




MathWorks, the company behind MATLAB and Simulink, has confirmed a ransomware attack that disrupted several of its online services and internal systems. The company said the disruption affected services customers use to sign in and manage software, and that it alerted federal law enforcement while investigating the incident. 

According to state notifications filed with regulators, the attack resulted in the unauthorized access and theft of personal information for 10,476 people. These filings list the full count reported to state authorities. 


What was taken and who is affected

The company’s notices explain that the records exposed vary by person, but may include names, postal addresses, dates of birth, Social Security numbers, and in some cases non-U.S. national ID numbers. In short, the stolen files could contain information that makes victims vulnerable to identity theft. 

MathWorks’ own statements and regulatory notices put the window of unauthorized access between April 17 and May 18, 2025. The company discovered the breach on May 18 and publicly linked the outage of several services to a ransomware incident in late May. MathWorks says forensic teams contained the threat and that investigators found no ongoing activity after May 18. 


What is not yet known 

MathWorks has not identified any named ransomware group in public statements, and so far there is no verified public evidence that the stolen data has been published or sold. The company continues to monitor the situation and has offered identity protection services for those notified. 


What you can do 

If you use MathWorks products, check your account notices and follow any enrollment instructions for identity protection. Monitor financial and credit accounts, set up fraud alerts if you see suspicious activity, and change passwords for affected services. If you receive unusual messages or requests for money or personal data, treat them with suspicion and report them to your bank or local authorities.

• Keep an eye on financial activity: Regularly review your bank and credit card statements to spot unauthorized transactions quickly.

• Consider credit monitoring or freezes: In countries where these services are available, they can help detect or prevent new accounts being opened in your name.

• Reset passwords immediately: Update the password for your MathWorks account and avoid using the same password across multiple platforms. A password manager can help create and store strong, unique passwords.

• Enable multi-factor authentication: Adding a second layer of verification makes it much harder for attackers to gain access, even if they have your login details.

• Stay alert for phishing attempts: Be cautious of unexpected emails, calls, or texts asking for sensitive information. Attackers may use stolen personal details to make their messages appear more convincing.



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unauthorised access
Data Breach MTA Ransomware attack Security Breach unauthorised access

Maryland’s Paratransit Service Hit by Ransomware Attack

 

The Maryland Transit Administration (MTA), operator of one of the largest multi-modal transit systems in the United States, is currently investigating a ransomware attack that has disrupted its Mobility paratransit service for disabled travelers. 

While the agency’s core transit services—including Local Bus, Metro Subway, Light Rail, MARC, Call-A-Ride, and Commuter Bus—remain operational, the ransomware incident has left the MTA unable to accept new ride requests for its Mobility service, which is critical for individuals with disabilities who rely on specialized transportation. 

According to the MTA, the cybersecurity breach involved unauthorized access to certain internal systems. The agency is working closely with the Maryland Department of Information Technology to assess and mitigate the impact. Riders who had already scheduled Mobility trips prior to the attack will still receive their services as planned. However, until the issue is resolved, new bookings cannot be processed through the standard Mobility system.

In response to the disruption, the MTA is directing eligible customers to its Call-A-Ride program as an alternative. This service can be accessed online or by phone, providing a temporary solution for those in need of transportation while the Mobility system remains unavailable for new requests.

The agency has emphasized its commitment to resolving the incident quickly and securely, promising regular updates as more information becomes available. 

This incident is not isolated. Over the past two years, similar ransomware attacks have targeted paratransit and public transit services in multiple states, including Missouri and Virginia, often leaving municipalities to scramble for alternative solutions for disabled residents.

The MTA has stated that its primary focus is on ensuring the safety and security of both customers and employees. It is collaborating with government partners and media outlets to keep the public informed and to support affected communities throughout the recovery process. 

The MTA’s experience underscores the growing risk that ransomware poses to critical public infrastructure, particularly services that support vulnerable populations. As investigations continue, the agency urges customers to stay informed through official channels and to utilize available alternatives like Call-A-Ride until normal operations can resume.
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Vulnerabilities and Exploits
Business Security Data I/O Ransomware attack Supply Chain Vulnerabilities and Exploits

Data I/O Ransomware Attack Exposes Vulnerability in Global Electronics Supply Chain

 

Data I/O, a leading manufacturer specializing in device programming and security provisioning solutions, experienced a major ransomware attack in August 2025 that crippled core operations and raised industry-wide concerns about supply chain vulnerabilities in the technology sector.

The attack, first detected on August 16, 2025, used a sophisticated phishing campaign to compromise network credentials, enabling the attackers to exploit vulnerabilities in the company’s remote access systems and achieve lateral movement across network segments. 

This incident resulted in the encryption of critical proprietary data, including chip design schematics, manufacturing blueprints, sensitive communications, and firmware for products used by major clients such as Amazon, Apple, Google, and automotive manufacturers. 

Attack methodology 

Investigations mapped the attack to multiple MITRE ATT&CK techniques: T1566 for phishing, T1021 for remote services exploitation, T1486 for impact via data encryption, and possible use of T1078 via valid accounts. The attackers sent deceptive emails to Data I/O employees that tricked users into surrendering network credentials or accessing malicious links. After gaining access, the adversaries leveraged weaknesses in remote connectivity protocols to move laterally and encrypt essential files.

The ransomware incident caused widespread disruptions: internal and external communications, shipping, receiving, manufacturing production lines, and support functions were all impacted. The company activated incident response protocols, isolating affected systems and proactively taking critical platforms offline to prevent further spread. As of late August, some systems remained offline, without a clear timeline for full restoration. 

Broader implications 

Data I/O’s strategic role as a supply chain hub in electronics manufacturing made it a disproportionate target. Disruption reverberated across technology, automotive, and IoT sectors due to the company’s handling of security credentials and firmware for multi-billion-dollar products.

The incident underscores how ransomware operators increasingly target manufacturing entities, exploiting supply chain vulnerabilities to extract ransoms and maximize operational harm. The attackers reportedly demanded a ransom of $30 million, threatening to release encrypted data publicly if payment was not made within 72 hours. 

Data I/O engaged external cybersecurity experts and forensic professionals, initiated a full-scale investigation, and pledged transparency as more details emerged. The incident highlights urgent needs for improved remote access security, robust phishing defenses, and faster detection and response capabilities across the technology manufacturing sector. 

Analysts warn this attack may foreshadow future campaigns targeting critical infrastructure and high-tech supply chains, stressing the necessity for more resilient cybersecurity strategies.
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Ransomware attack
Cyber Security cybercrime Germany Einhaus Group insolvency mobile phone repair Ransomware attack

Einhaus Group Faces Insolvency After Devastating 2023 Ransomware Attack

 

German mobile phone insurance, repair, and logistics provider Einhaus Group has disclosed the severe financial toll of a crippling ransomware attack in 2023. At its peak, the company had a presence in more than 5,000 retail outlets across Germany, working with major telecom players such as Deutsche Telekom and 1&1, and generating annual revenues of up to €70 million.

In 2023, the notorious ransomware group “Royal” infiltrated the company’s systems, encrypting crucial data — including contracts, billing information, and internal communications — and bringing operations to a standstill. 

The attackers left chilling messages via office printers warning, “the company had been hacked”, and locked down critical infrastructure. The breach resulted in operational paralysis, millions in lost revenue, and total damages reaching the mid-seven-figure range. Reports indicate Einhaus paid a €200,000 ransom in Bitcoin to recover its data.

German cybercrime authorities have since identified three suspects. Although prosecutors seized the ransom-paid cryptocurrency, the funds were never returned, leaving Einhaus unable to achieve a full recovery.

The aftermath has been severe — staff numbers have plummeted from around 170 to just eight, while the company has sold off property and investments to offset losses. Three subsidiaries, including 24logistics, have filed for insolvency, and mobile phone repair operations have ceased entirely.

Einhaus Group now joins a growing list of high-profile businesses shuttered by ransomware incidents, including the UK’s Knights of Old transport firm, Stoli USA, and Finland’s Vastaamo. The case underscores the increasing frequency and financial devastation of cyberattacks, particularly ransomware, for businesses worldwide.
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SafePay ransomware
Data Breach Data Leak Ransomware attack Ridgefield Public Schools SafePay ransomware

Ridgefield Public Schools Faces 2-day Deadline After Hackers Threaten to Leak 90 GB of Stolen Data

 

Ridgefield Public Schools in Connecticut was hit by a ransomware attack on July 24, 2025, with the SafePay ransomware gang now threatening to release 90 GB of stolen data within two days if ransom demands aren't met.

The school district's cybersecurity tools detected attempts to deploy an encryption malware, prompting them to immediately take their computer network offline to investigate. While RPS confirmed that a ransom was demanded, they haven't revealed the amount or whether it was paid. The fact that SafePay has now published the school district on its leak site suggests negotiations have failed. 

Impact on school operations 

System restoration is ongoing, with RPS hoping teachers would regain email access this week. The district serves approximately 4,500 students across nine schools (six elementary, two middle schools, and one high school). They are investigating potential data breaches and offering advice on data protection in case sensitive personal information was stolen.

Broader education sector threats 

This attack is part of a concerning trend - 26 confirmed ransomware attacks have hit the US education sector in 2025 so far, with 49 more unconfirmed. Recent victims include School District 5 of Lexington and Richland Counties (1.3 TB stolen), Franklin Pierce Schools ($400,000 ransom demand), and Manassas Park City Schools where Social Security numbers and financial data may have been compromised.

In 2024 alone, nearly 3 million records were breached across 83 attacks on US educational institutions, highlighting the severe ongoing impact on schools, colleges, and universities. 

About SafePay ransomware group 

SafePay first emerged in November 2024 and has since conducted 278 tracked attacks, with 35 confirmed by victims. The group uses LockBit-based ransomware and employs a double-extortion technique - demanding payment both to decrypt systems and delete stolen data. RPS is the sixth educational institution confirmed to have fallen victim to SafePay, following attacks on Harrison County Board of Education and a Czech school this year.
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SafePay
Data Breach Ingram Micro IT Vendor Ransomware attack SafePay

SafePay Ransomware Threaten Public Disclosure of 3.5 TB Worth of Ingram Micro Files

 

Ingram Micro, one of the world's largest IT distributors, is facing a data leak threat from the SafePay ransomware group almost a month after the initial attack. The SafePay group has claimed to have stolen 3.5TB of data from the company and listed Ingram Micro on its dark web leak site, threatening to release the data unless the distributor pays the ransom. 

The attack first came to light on July 5, 2025, when Ingram Micro disclosed it had to take systems offline over the weekend. The company worked with cybersecurity experts to investigate and contain the incident, implementing additional safeguards while restoring affected systems. By July 9, Ingram Micro announced that global operations had been restored across all regions. 

However, SafePay's threat to leak data suggests that Ingram Micro chose not to pay the ransom demand. Peter King, a cybersecurity consultant, noted this follows an established pattern where threat actors use leak threats to pressure victims into paying. The 3.5TB of allegedly stolen data raises concerns about how the attackers gained access to such a large volume of information from a major channel company.

SafePay is identified as one of the most active ransomware groups, having struck over 200 victims worldwide in the first quarter of 2025, including managed service providers and small-to-medium enterprises. The group reportedly gained initial access through Ingram Micro's GlobalProtect VPN platform using compromised credentials rather than exploiting a software vulnerability.

The incident highlights the ongoing risk of supply chain attacks, with experts warning that organizations in the tech supply chain are attractive targets due to their interconnected nature and the potential for attacks to spread beyond their own environments.
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Ransomwares
breach recovery Cyber Attacks Cyber-recovery cybercriminals Ransomware Attack paid ransoms Ransom Demands Ransomware attack Ransomwares

Singapore Companies Struggle to Recover from Ransomware Despite Paying Hackers

 

Many businesses in Singapore continue to face prolonged and expensive recovery periods after ransomware attacks, even when they choose to pay the ransom. A new report from cybersecurity firm Sophos reveals that 50% of local organizations affected by ransomware opted to pay to regain access to their encrypted data. 

Despite this, more than half of these companies needed at least a week to resume operations, and nearly a quarter faced recovery times stretching up to six months. While paying the ransom is often viewed as a quick fix, the real costs and complications extend far beyond the initial transaction. The average total expense incurred by Singaporean firms to fully recover from a ransomware incident this year has reached an estimated US$1.54 million. 

Although the median ransom payment has decreased to approximately US$365,565—down from US$760,000 last year—this reduction in ransom size hasn’t translated into faster recoveries. Interestingly, around 39% of companies were able to negotiate lower ransom amounts, often by working with external experts or negotiators. According to Chester Wisniewski, Field CISO at Sophos, an increasing number of businesses are turning to incident response professionals to manage damage, contain threats, and potentially stop attacks mid-process. 

These experts not only help reduce the ransom amounts but also accelerate recovery timelines and fortify defences against future incidents. The study also sheds light on the primary causes of ransomware infections in Singapore. Phishing scams were identified as the top cause, accounting for 36% of cases, followed closely by malicious email attachments at 29% and compromised user credentials at 17%. 

On an organizational level, common challenges include insufficient cybersecurity tools and a shortage of trained personnel—issues that 47% and 43% of respondents, respectively, cited as major weaknesses. Experts emphasize that mitigating ransomware threats begins with addressing these underlying vulnerabilities. Proactive strategies such as implementing multi-factor authentication, keeping software up to date, and investing in Managed Detection and Response (MDR) services can significantly reduce the likelihood of a breach. 

MDR services, in particular, offer constant threat monitoring and rapid response, making them an increasingly popular choice for companies with limited in-house cybersecurity capacity. Additional findings highlight how Singapore firms differ from global counterparts. They are more likely to pay ransoms without attempting negotiation and are less transparent about breaches. 

Verizon Business reports further confirm that attackers are increasingly targeting software supply chains and exploiting known vulnerabilities. According to Robert Le Busque, the integration of Singapore’s economy into global trade networks and supply chains makes its companies especially vulnerable, with 72% having encountered email-based threats. 

Despite falling ransom demands, the broader financial and operational toll of ransomware in Singapore continues to rise, stressing the importance of preventive action and stronger cyber resilience.
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User Privacy
Cyber Security Legislative Amendment Ransomware attack UK Government User Privacy

UK Government Proposes Mandatory Reporting of Ransomware Attacks

 

The British government's proposals to amend its ransomware strategy marked a minor milestone on Tuesday, when the Home Office issued its formal answer to a survey on modifying the law, but questions remain regarding the effectiveness of the measures. 

The legislative process in the United Kingdom regularly involves public consultations. In order to address the ransomware issue, the Home Office outlined three main policy recommendations and asked for public input in order to support forthcoming legislation. 

The three main policy ideas are prohibiting payments from public sector or critical national infrastructure organisations; requiring victims to notify the government prior to making any extortion payments; and requiring all victims to report attacks to law enforcement.

Following a string of high-profile ransomware incidents that affected the nation, including several that left the shelves of several high-street grocery stores empty and one that contributed to the death of a hospital patient in London, the official response was published on Tuesday, cataloguing feedback for and against the measures.

Despite being labelled as part of the government's much-talked-about Plan for Change, the plans are identical to those made while the Conservative Party was in control prior to Rishi Sunak's snap election, which delayed the consultation's introduction. Even that plan in 2024 was late to the game. 

In 2022, ransomware attacks dominated the British government's crisis management COBR meetings. However, successive home secretaries prioritised responding to small boat crossings of migrants in the English Channel. Ransomware attacks on British organisations had increased year after year for the past five years. 

“The proposals are a sign that the government is taking ransomware more seriously, which after five years of punishing attacks on UK businesses and critical national infrastructure is very welcome,” stated Jamie MacColl, a senior research fellow at think tank RUSI. But MacColl said there remained numerous questions regarding how effective the response might be. 

Earlier this year, the government announced what the Cyber Security and Resilience Bill (CSRB) will include when it is brought to Parliament. The CSRB, which only applies to regulated critical infrastructure firms, is likely to overlap with the ransomware regulations by enhancing cyber incident reporting requirements, but it is unclear how.
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United States
Cyber Crime Extradition Federal Agency Ransomware attack United States

Armenian Man Extradited to US After Targeting Oregon Tech Firm

 

The Justice Department said Wednesday last week that an Armenian national is in federal custody on charges related to their alleged involvement in a wave of Ryuk ransomware attacks in 2019 and 2020. On June 18, Karen Serobovich Vardanyan, 33, was extradited to the United States from Ukraine. 

On June 20, he appeared in federal court and pleaded not guilty to the allegations. The seven-day jury trial Vardanyan is awaiting is set to start on August 26. The prosecution charged Vardanyan with conspiracy, computer-related fraud, and computer-related extortion Each charge carries a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine. 

Vardanyan and his accomplices, who include 45-year-old Levon Georgiyovych Avetisyan of Armenia and two 53-year-old Ukrainians, Oleg Nikolayevich Lyulyava and Andrii Leonydovich Prykhodchenko, are charged with gaining unauthorised access to computer networks in order to install Ryuk ransomware on hundreds of compromised workstations and servers between March 2019 and September 2020. 

Lyulyava and Prykhodchenko are still at large, while Avetisyan is in France awaiting a request for extradition from the United States. According to authorities, the Ryuk ransomware was widespread in 2019 and 2020, infecting thousands of people worldwide in the private sector, state and local governments, local school districts, and critical infrastructure. 

Among these are a series of assaults on American hospitals and a technology company in Oregon, where Vardanyan is the subject of a trial by federal authorities. Ryuk ransomware attacks have affected Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Centre, Universal Health Services, Electronic Warfare Associates, a North Carolina water company, and several U.S. newspapers. 

Ryuk ransomware operators extorted victim firms by demanding Bitcoin ransom payments in exchange for decryption keys. According to Justice Department officials, Vardanyan and his co-conspirators received approximately 1,160 bitcoins in ransom payments from victim companies, totalling more than $15 million at the time.
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Ransomwares
Cyber Attacks Data Leak data security Data Theft DragonForce DragonForce Ransomware Group Hacker attack Hacking Group Ransomware attack Ransomware group Ransomwares

Belk Hit by Ransomware Attack as DragonForce Claims Responsibility for Data Breach

 

The department store chain Belk recently became the target of a ransomware attack, with the hacking group DragonForce taking responsibility for the breach. The cybercriminals claim to have stolen 156 GB of sensitive data from the company’s systems in early May. 

JP Castellanos, Director of Threat Intelligence at cybersecurity firm Binary Defense, stated with high confidence that DragonForce is indeed behind the incident. The company, based in Ohio, specializes in threat detection and digital forensics. During an investigation of dark web forums on behalf of The Charlotte Observer, Castellanos found that DragonForce had shared samples of the stolen data online. 

In a message directed at Belk, the group stated that its original aim wasn’t to damage the company but to push it into acknowledging its cybersecurity failures. DragonForce claims Belk declined to meet ransom demands, which ultimately led to the data being leaked, affecting numerous individuals. 

Following the breach, Belk has been named in multiple lawsuits. The complaints allege that the company not only failed to protect sensitive personal information but also delayed disclosing the breach to the public. Information accessed by the attackers included names, Social Security numbers, and internal documentation related to employees and their families. 

The cyberattack reportedly caused a complete systems shutdown across Belk locations between May 7 and May 11. According to a formal notice submitted to North Carolina’s Attorney General, the breach was discovered on May 8 and disclosed on June 4. The total number of affected individuals was 586, including 133 residents of North Carolina. 

The stolen files contained private details such as account numbers, driver’s license data, passport information, and medical records. Belk responded by initiating a full-scale investigation, collaborating with law enforcement, and enhancing their digital security defenses. On June 5, Belk began notifying those impacted by the attack, offering one year of free identity protection services. These services include credit and dark web monitoring, as well as identity restoration and insurance coverage worth up to $1 million. 

Despite these actions, Belk has yet to issue a public statement or respond to ongoing media inquiries. DragonForce, identified by experts as a hacktivist collective, typically exploits system vulnerabilities to lock down company networks, then demands cryptocurrency payments. If the demands go unmet, the stolen data is often leaked or sold. 

In Belk’s case, the group did not list a price for the compromised data. Castellanos advised anyone who has shopped at Belk to enroll in credit monitoring as a precaution. Belk, which was acquired by Sycamore Partners in 2015, has been working through financial challenges in recent years, including a short-lived bankruptcy filing in 2021. 

The retailer, now operating nearly 300 stores across 16 southeastern U.S. states, continues to rebuild its financial footing amid cybersecurity and operational pressures.
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SafePay ransomware
Cyber Attacks Cyber Outage Global IT Outage IT system Palo Alto Palo Alto Networks Ransomware attack Ransomwares SafePay ransomware

Ingram Micro Confirms SafePay Ransomware Attack and Global IT System Outage

 

Ingram Micro, one of the world’s largest IT distribution and services companies, has confirmed it was targeted in a ransomware attack by the SafePay group, causing major operational disruptions across its global network. The cyberattack, which began early on July 4, 2025, forced the company to take critical internal systems offline and suspend access to platforms such as its AI-powered Xvantage distribution system and the Impulse license provisioning platform. 

The attack came to light after employees discovered ransom notes on their devices. According to cybersecurity outlet BleepingComputer, the notes were linked to the SafePay ransomware operation—an increasingly active threat actor that has claimed over 220 victims since emerging in late 2024. Although the extent of data encryption remains unclear, sources suggest that the attackers likely accessed Ingram Micro’s network via compromised credentials on the company’s GlobalProtect VPN gateway. Initially, 

Ingram Micro refrained from publicly acknowledging the attack, stating only that it was experiencing “IT issues.” Employees in some regions were instructed to work from home, and the company advised against using the VPN service believed to be involved in the breach. 

On July 6, Ingram Micro officially confirmed the ransomware incident. In a statement, the company said it took immediate steps to secure affected systems, brought in cybersecurity experts to investigate, and notified law enforcement agencies. It also assured customers and partners that it was working urgently to restore operations and minimize further disruption. 

By July 8, the company had made significant progress in recovery. Subscription orders—including renewals and modifications—were once again being processed globally, with additional support for phone and email orders reinstated in key markets such as the UK, Germany, Brazil, India, and China. However, some hardware order functions remain limited. 

Palo Alto Network issued a clarification stating that none of its products were the source of the breach. The company emphasized that attackers likely exploited misconfigurations or stolen credentials, not any inherent flaws in the VPN software. 

This breach highlights the increasing sophistication of ransomware groups like SafePay and the risks faced by large IT infrastructure providers. Ingram Micro’s swift containment and recovery response may help mitigate long-term impacts, but the incident serves as a critical reminder of the importance of proactive cybersecurity measures, especially in environments reliant on remote access technologies.
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stolen employee data
Cybersecurity Incident Data Breach Hunters International leak IdeaLab identity theft protection Ransomware attack stolen employee data

IdeaLab Data Breach Exposes Sensitive Employee Information: Hackers Leak 137,000 Files Online

 

IdeaLab has begun notifying individuals whose personal data was compromised in a cybersecurity incident that occurred last October, when malicious actors infiltrated the company’s network and accessed confidential information.

Although the company did not specify the precise nature of the attack, the breach was claimed by the Hunters International ransomware group, which later published the stolen files on the dark web.

Founded in 1996, IdeaLab is a prominent California-based technology incubator known for launching over 150 companies, including GoTo.com, CitySearch, eToys, Authy, Pet.net, Heliogen, and Energy Vault. As one of the most established venture capital firms in the United States, IdeaLab has driven substantial economic growth, job creation, and investment returns over nearly three decades.

Suspicious activity was first detected on IdeaLab’s systems on October 7, 2024. A subsequent investigation revealed that unauthorized access began three days earlier. To respond, the company engaged external cybersecurity experts to conduct a thorough assessment, which concluded on June 26, 2025.

Investigators confirmed that data belonging to current and former employees, support service contractors, and their dependents had been stolen. In regulatory disclosures, IdeaLab stated that the compromised records included names along with various other sensitive details, though the exact types of data were not fully disclosed.

On October 23, 2024, after what appears to have been a failed extortion attempt, Hunters International published approximately 137,000 files—totaling 262.8 gigabytes. While the download link has since become inactive, security analysts believe other cybercriminals likely retrieved the files prior to removal.

Earlier today, the threat actor announced it was shutting down Hunters International operations, deleting all extortion-related data and offering free decryption keys to victims. However, cybersecurity researchers at Group-IB previously reported that the group had already begun transitioning to a new extortion-focused platform named World Leaks, suggesting this shutdown could be a strategic rebrand.

To help mitigate potential harm, IdeaLab is providing affected individuals with complimentary 24-month access to credit monitoring, identity theft protection, and dark web surveillance services through IDX. Impacted parties must enroll by October 1 to take advantage of these resources.
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Swiss Government
Data Breach Data Leak Radix Ransomware attack Swiss Government

Swiss Health Foundation Ransomware Attack Exposes Government Data

 

The Swiss government is announcing that a ransomware assault at the third-party company Radix has affected sensitive data from multiple federal offices.

The Swiss authorities claim that the hackers obtained information from Radix systems and then posted it on the dark web. The nation's National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) is assisting in the analysis of the leaked data to determine which government agencies are affected and to what extent. 

“The foundation Radix has been targeted by a ransomware attack, during which data was stolen and encrypted,” the Swiss government noted. “Radix’s customers include various federal offices. The data has been published on the dark web and will now be analyzed by the relevant offices.” 

Radix is a Zurich-based non-profit focused on health promotion. It operates eight competence centres that carry out projects and services for the Swiss federal government, cantonal and municipal corporations, and other public and private organisations. 

According to the organization's statement, Sarcoma ransomware affiliates penetrated its systems on June 16. Sarcoma is a newly emerging ransomware outfit that began operations in October 2024 quickly became one of the most active, claiming 36 victims in its first month. One notable example was an attack on PCB giant Unimicron. 

Phishing, supply-chain attacks, and outdated flaws are some of the ways Sarcoma gains access. Once RDP connections are exploited, the hackers usually proceed laterally across the network. The threat actor may encrypt the data in addition to stealing it in the final phase of the attack. On June 29, the ransomware outfit uploaded the stolen Radix data on their leak portal on the dark web, most likely after extortion attempts failed. 

Personalised alerts were sent to affected individuals, according to Radix, which also states that there is no proof that critical information from partner organisations was compromised. Radix advises potentially vulnerable users to be on guard over the next few months and to be cautious of attempts to obtain their account credentials, credit card details, and passwords in order to mitigate this risk. 

In March 2024, the Swiss government confirmed it had experienced a similar exposure via third-party software services provider Xplain, which was attacked by the Play ransomware gang on May 23, 2023. As a result of that incident, 65,000 Federal Administration documents were leaked, many of which included private and sensitive data.
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Ransomwares
Data Breach Data Privacy data security Data Theft Healthcare Data healthcare data breach Healthcare Industry Personal Information Ransomware attack Ransomwares

Horizon Healthcare RCM Reports Ransomware Breach Impacting Patient Data

 

Horizon Healthcare RCM has confirmed it was the target of a ransomware attack involving the theft of sensitive health information, making it the latest revenue cycle management (RCM) vendor to report such a breach. Based on the company’s breach disclosure, it appears a ransom may have been paid to prevent the public release of stolen data. 

In a report filed with Maine’s Attorney General on June 27, Horizon disclosed that six state residents were impacted but did not provide a total number of affected individuals. As of Monday, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office for Civil Rights had not yet listed the incident on its breach portal, which logs healthcare data breaches affecting 500 or more people.  

However, the scope of the incident may be broader. It remains unclear whether Horizon is notifying patients directly on behalf of these clients or whether each will report the breach independently. 

In a public notice, Horizon explained that the breach was first detected on December 27, 2024, when ransomware locked access to some files. While systems were later restored, the company determined that certain data had also been copied without permission. 

Horizon noted that it “arranged for the responsible party to delete the copied data,” indicating a likely ransom negotiation. Notices are being sent to affected individuals where possible. The compromised data varies, but most records included a Horizon internal number, patient ID, or insurance claims data. 

In some cases, more sensitive details were exposed, such as Social Security numbers, driver’s license or passport numbers, payment card details, or financial account information. Despite the breach, Horizon stated that there have been no confirmed cases of identity theft linked to the incident. 

The matter has been reported to federal law enforcement. Multiple law firms have since announced investigations into the breach, raising the possibility of class-action litigation. This incident follows several high-profile breaches involving other RCM firms in recent months. 

In May, Nebraska-based ALN Medical Management updated a previously filed breach report, raising the number of affected individuals from 501 to over 1.3 million. Similarly, Gryphon Healthcare disclosed in October 2024 that nearly 400,000 people were impacted by a separate attack. 

Most recently, California-based Episource LLC revealed in June that a ransomware incident in February exposed the health information of roughly 5.42 million individuals. That event now ranks as the second-largest healthcare breach in the U.S. so far in 2025. Experts say that RCM vendors continue to be lucrative targets for cybercriminals due to their access to vast stores of healthcare data and their central role in financial operations. 

Bob Maley, Chief Security Officer at Black Kite, noted that targeting these firms offers hackers outsized rewards. “Hitting one RCM provider can affect dozens of healthcare facilities, exposing massive amounts of data and disrupting financial workflows all at once,” he said.  
Maley warned that many of these firms are still operating under outdated cybersecurity models. “They’re stuck in a compliance mindset, treating risk in vague terms. But boards want to know the real-world financial impact,” he said. 

He also emphasized the importance of supply chain transparency. “These vendors play a crucial role for hospitals, but how well do they know their own vendors? Relying on outdated assessments leaves them blind to emerging threats.” 

Maley concluded that until RCM providers prioritize cybersecurity as a business imperative—not just an IT issue—the industry will remain vulnerable to repeating breaches.
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