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Showing posts with label Ransomware group. Show all posts
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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Ransomwares
Cyberattack Data Breach Data Leak data security Employee Data Healthcare Interlock gang Interlock ransomware Kettering Health Ransomware attack Ransomware group Ransomwares

Kettering Health Ransomware Attack Linked to Interlock Group

 

Kettering Health, a prominent healthcare network based in Ohio, is still grappling with the aftermath of a disruptive ransomware attack that forced the organization to shut down its computer systems. The cyberattack, which occurred in mid-May 2025, affected operations across its hospitals, clinics, and medical centers. Now, two weeks later, the ransomware gang Interlock has officially taken responsibility for the breach, claiming to have exfiltrated more than 940 gigabytes of data.  

Interlock, an emerging cybercriminal group active since September 2024, has increasingly focused on targeting U.S.-based healthcare providers. When CNN first reported on the incident on May 20, Interlock had not yet confirmed its role, suggesting that ransom negotiations may have been in progress. With the group now openly taking credit and releasing some of the stolen data on its dark web site, it appears those negotiations either failed or stalled. 

Kettering Health has maintained a firm position that they are against paying ransoms. John Weimer, senior vice president of emergency operations, previously stated that no ransom had been paid. Despite this, the data breach appears extensive. Information shared by Interlock indicates that sensitive files were accessed, including private patient records and internal documents. Patient information such as names, identification numbers, medical histories, medications, and mental health notes were among the compromised data. 

The breach also impacted employee data, with files from shared network drives also exposed. One particularly concerning element involves files tied to Kettering Health’s in-house police department. Some documents reportedly include background checks, polygraph results, and personally identifiable details of law enforcement staff—raising serious privacy and safety concerns. In a recent public update, Kettering Health announced a key development in its recovery process. 

The organization confirmed it had restored core functionalities of its electronic health record (EHR) system, which is provided by healthcare technology firm Epic. Officials described this restoration as a significant step toward resuming normal operations, allowing teams to access patient records, coordinate care, and communicate effectively across departments once again. The full scope of the breach and the long-term consequences for affected individuals still remains uncertain. 

Meanwhile, Kettering Health has yet to comment on whether Interlock’s claims are fully accurate. The healthcare system is working closely with cybersecurity professionals and law enforcement agencies to assess the extent of the intrusion and prevent further damage.
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Ransomwares
Customer Data Cyberattack Data Breach Data Leak data security Personal Information personal information exposure Qilin Qilin Ransomware Ransomware attack Ransomware group Ransomwares

Lee Enterprises Ransomware Attack Exposes Data of 40,000 Individuals

 

Lee Enterprises, a major U.S. news publisher, is alerting nearly 40,000 individuals about a data breach following a ransomware attack that took place in early February 2025. The company, which owns and operates 77 daily newspapers and hundreds of weekly and special-interest publications across 26 states, reported that the cyberattack resulted in the theft of personal information belonging to thousands of people. 

Details of the breach were revealed in a recent disclosure to the Maine Attorney General’s office. According to the company, the attackers gained unauthorized access to internal documents on February 3, 2025. These files contained combinations of personal identifiers such as names, Social Security numbers, driver’s license details, bank account information, medical data, and health insurance policy numbers. The security incident caused widespread operational disruptions. 

Following the attack, Lee Enterprises was forced to shut down multiple parts of its IT infrastructure, impacting both the printing and delivery of its newspapers. Several internal tools and systems became inaccessible, including virtual private networks and cloud storage services, complicating daily workflows across its local newsrooms. In a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission shortly after the breach, the company confirmed that critical systems had been encrypted and that a portion of its data had been copied by the attackers. 

The source of the attack is yet to be identified, a group known as Qilin has allegedly claimed responsibility near the end of February. The group alleged it had stolen over 120,000 internal files, totaling 350 gigabytes, and threatened to publish the material unless their demands were met. Soon after, Qilin posted a sample of the stolen data to a dark web leak site, which included scans of government-issued IDs, financial spreadsheets, contracts, and other confidential records. The group also listed Lee Enterprises as a victim on its public-facing extortion portal. 

When asked about the authenticity of the leaked data, a spokesperson for Lee Enterprises stated the company was aware of the claims and was actively investigating. This is not the first cybersecurity issue Lee Enterprises has faced. The company’s network was previously targeted by foreign actors during the lead-up to the 2020 U.S. presidential election, where hackers from Iran allegedly attempted to use compromised media outlets to spread disinformation. 

The ransomware attack highlights ongoing threats facing media companies, especially those handling high volumes of personal and financial data. As Lee Enterprises continues its recovery and legal steps, the incident serves as a reminder of the need for robust digital defenses in today’s information-driven landscape.
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Rhysida ransomware gang
Data Breach Data Leak Extortion Ransomware attack Ransomware group Ransomwares Rhysida Rhysida Ransomware Rhysida ransomware gang

Rhysida Ransomware Group Leaks 1.3M Files Stolen from Oregon DEQ After Failed Extortion Attempt

 

A major ransomware breach has rocked the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), with over 1.3 million files—amounting to 2.4 terabytes—dumped online by the cybercriminal group Rhysida. The stolen data, now circulating on the dark web, reportedly includes confidential information linked to DEQ employees. Whether personal data of Oregon residents outside the agency was compromised remains unconfirmed. DEQ first disclosed system disruptions on April 9, attributing them to a suspected cyberattack. 

The agency, responsible for regulating pollution, waste, air quality, and smog checks for vehicle registrations, had to suspend several core services as a result. An investigation into the breach is underway, but DEQ has not officially confirmed the volume or content of the compromised data. However, Rhysida’s own dark web site claimed responsibility, stating that it attempted to contact DEQ but was ignored. The group then released the data publicly, writing: “They think their data hasn’t been stolen. They’re sorely mistaken.” Before the leak, the group had placed a $2.5 million price tag—30 Bitcoins—on the files, offering them at auction to the highest bidder. 

By April 24, some of the stolen content had reportedly been sold, while the remaining files were made freely available for download. The breach has had serious operational consequences. For nearly a week following the attack, DEQ employees were locked out of their internal systems and email. Emails sent between April 9 and 11 were lost entirely. Vehicle emissions testing—a requirement for registrations in parts of Oregon—was halted across all non-DEQ testing locations, though some services resumed at DEQ-owned facilities on April 14. In a statement issued April 19, DEQ confirmed that employees were gradually regaining access to their work devices, moving from phones back to laptops. 

Despite the cyber disruption, spokesperson Lauren Wirtis said DEQ’s mission-critical services via its online platform DEQ Online remained operational and unaffected. Rhysida, an increasingly active ransomware gang, has previously attacked global organizations including the British Library, Chilean Army, and the Port of Seattle. Their tactics typically include data theft, extortion, and high-pressure ransom demands. 

Oregon’s Enterprise Information Services is leading the forensic investigation, alongside efforts to strengthen state cybersecurity systems. As of April 26, DEQ clarified that no ransom negotiations had occurred, and the timeline for completing the investigation remains uncertain.
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Ransomwares
CVE CVEs Cyber Attacks Malware Attack Malwares Microsoft ransomware attacks Ransomware group Ransomwares

Windows CLFS Zero-Day CVE-2025-29824 Exploited by Ransomware Group Storm-2460

 

A newly disclosed Windows zero-day vulnerability, tracked as CVE-2025-29824, is being actively exploited in cyberattacks to deliver ransomware, Microsoft has warned. This flaw affects the Windows Common Log File System (CLFS) driver and enables local privilege escalation—a method often used by attackers after gaining initial access. 

Microsoft’s Threat Intelligence and Security Response teams revealed that the bug is classified as a “use-after-free” vulnerability with a severity score of 7.8. While attackers need to compromise a system before they can exploit this flaw, it remains highly valuable in ransomware operations. Cybercriminals often rely on these types of vulnerabilities to turn a limited foothold into full administrative control across networks. 

The cybercrime group currently leveraging this zero-day is known as Storm-2460. Microsoft reports that the group is using the exploit to deploy a custom backdoor named PipeMagic, which in turn facilitates the installation of RansomEXX ransomware—a variant not commonly observed but still capable of serious disruption. So far, Storm-2460 has targeted organizations in industries such as IT, finance, and retail, with victims located in countries including the United States, Spain, Saudi Arabia, and Venezuela. 

Microsoft emphasized that the number of known cases remains small, but the sophistication of the exploit is concerning. This attack is notable for being part of a “post-compromise” campaign, meaning the attacker already has a presence within the system before using the flaw. These types of exploits are frequently used to escalate privileges and move laterally within a network, eventually leading to broader ransomware deployment. Microsoft issued a security advisory for CVE-2025-29824 on April 8 and urged organizations to install updates immediately. Failure to do so could leave critical systems vulnerable to privilege escalation and full network compromise. 

To mitigate risk, Microsoft advises businesses to prioritize patch management, restrict unnecessary administrative privileges, and closely monitor for unusual behavior across endpoints. Cybersecurity teams are also encouraged to review logs for any indicators of compromise related to PipeMagic or RansomEXX. As ransomware tactics continue to evolve, the exploitation of vulnerabilities like CVE-2025-29824 reinforces the need for proactive defense strategies and rapid incident response protocols.
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Sensitive Data Leak
Cyber Attacks Data Leak data security Data Theft IT Systems Ransomware attack Ransomware group Ransomwares Sensitive Data Leak

Tata Technologies Cyberattack: Hunters International Ransomware Gang Claims Responsibility for 1.4TB Data Theft

 

Hunters International, a ransomware group known for high-profile cyberattacks, has claimed responsibility for a January 2025 cyberattack on Tata Technologies. The group alleges it stole 1.4TB of sensitive data from the company and has issued a threat to release the stolen files if its ransom demands are not met. Tata Technologies, a Pune-based global provider of engineering and digital solutions, reported the cyberattack in January. 

The company, which operates in 27 countries with over 12,500 employees, offers services across the automotive, aerospace, and industrial sectors. At the time of the breach, Tata Technologies confirmed that the attack had caused disruptions to certain IT systems but stated that client delivery services remained unaffected. The company also assured stakeholders that it was actively restoring impacted systems and conducting an internal investigation with cybersecurity experts. 

However, more than a month later, Hunters International listed Tata Technologies on its dark web extortion page, taking responsibility for the attack. The group claims to have exfiltrated 730,000 files, totaling 1.4TB of data. While the ransomware gang has threatened to publish the stolen files within a week if a ransom is not paid, it has not provided any samples or disclosed the nature of the compromised documents. Tata Technologies has yet to release an update regarding the breach or respond to the hackers’ claims. 

BleepingComputer, a cybersecurity news platform, attempted to contact the company for a statement but did not receive an immediate response. Hunters International emerged in late 2023, suspected to be a rebranded version of the Hive ransomware group. Since then, it has carried out multiple high-profile attacks, including breaches of Austal USA, a U.S. Navy contractor, and Japanese optics company Hoya. 

The group has gained notoriety for targeting various organizations without ethical restraint, even engaging in extortion schemes against individuals, such as cancer patients from Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center. Although many of the gang’s claims have been verified, some remain disputed. For example, in August 2024, the U.S. Marshals Service denied that its systems had been compromised, despite Hunters International’s assertions.  

With cybercriminals continuing to exploit vulnerabilities, the Tata Technologies breach serves as another reminder of the persistent and evolving threats posed by ransomware groups.
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Ransomware group
Cyber Attacks Data Leak data security Genea Healthcare Breach Patient Data Ransomware attack Ransomware group

Genea Cyberattack: Termite Ransomware Leaks Sensitive Patient Data

 

One of Australia’s leading fertility providers, Genea Pty Ltd, has been targeted in a cyberattack allegedly carried out by the Termite ransomware group. On February 26, 2025, the group claimed responsibility for breaching Genea’s systems and stated that they had stolen 700GB of data from 27 company servers. The stolen information reportedly includes financial documents, invoices, medical records, personal identification data, and detailed patient questionnaires. 

Among these files are Protected Health Information (PHI), which contains personal medical histories and sensitive patient details. The cyberattack was first confirmed by Genea on February 19, 2025, when the company disclosed that its network had been compromised. The breach caused system outages and disrupted operations, leading to an internal investigation supported by cybersecurity experts. Genea moved quickly to assess the extent of the damage and reassure patients that the incident was being addressed with urgency. 

In an update released on February 24, 2025, the company acknowledged that unauthorized access had been detected within its patient management systems. By February 26, 2025, Genea confirmed that some of the stolen data had been leaked online by the attackers. In a public statement, the company expressed deep regret over the breach, acknowledging the distress it may have caused its patients. In response, Genea took immediate legal action by securing a court-ordered injunction to prevent further distribution or use of the stolen information. 

This measure was part of the company’s broader effort to protect affected individuals and limit the potential damage caused by the breach. To assist those impacted, Genea partnered with IDCARE, Australia’s national identity and cyber support service. Affected individuals were encouraged to seek help and take necessary steps to safeguard their personal information. The company urged patients to remain alert for potential fraud or identity theft attempts, particularly unsolicited emails, phone calls, or messages requesting personal details.  

The attack was initially detected on February 14, 2025, when suspicious activity was observed within Genea’s network. Upon further investigation, it was revealed that unauthorized access had occurred, and patient data had been compromised. The attackers reportedly targeted Genea’s patient management system, gaining entry to folders containing sensitive information. The exposed data includes full names, contact details, medical histories, treatment records, Medicare card numbers, and private health insurance information. 

However, as of the latest update, there was no evidence that financial data, such as bank account details or credit card numbers, had been accessed. Despite the severity of the breach, Genea assured patients that its medical and administrative teams were working tirelessly to restore affected systems and minimize disruptions to fertility services. Ensuring continuity of patient care remained a top priority while the company simultaneously focused on strengthening security measures to prevent further incidents. 

In response to the breach, Genea has been collaborating with the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) and the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) to investigate the full extent of the attack. The company is committed to keeping affected individuals informed and taking all necessary precautions to enhance its cybersecurity framework. Patients were advised to monitor their accounts and report any suspicious activity to authorities. 

As a precaution, Genea recommended that affected individuals follow security guidelines issued by official government agencies such as the Australian Cyber Security Centre and the ACCC’s Scamwatch. For those concerned about identity theft, IDCARE’s experts were made available to provide support and guidance on mitigating risks associated with cybercrime. The incident has highlighted the growing risks faced by healthcare providers and the importance of implementing stronger security measures to protect patient data.
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sensitive data theft
brain cipher Data Breach Data Theft Deloitte Ransomware attack Ransomware group Ransomwares sensitive data theft

Brain Cipher Ransomware Group Claims Deloitte UK Data Breach

 

Brain Cipher, a ransomware group that emerged in June 2024, has claimed responsibility for breaching Deloitte UK, alleging the exfiltration of over 1 terabyte of sensitive data from the global professional services firm. This claim has raised significant concerns about the cybersecurity defenses of one of the “Big Four” accounting firms. 

Brain Cipher’s Rising Notoriety 
 
Brain Cipher first gained attention earlier this year with its attack on Indonesia’s National Data Center, disrupting operations across more than 200 government agencies, including critical services like immigration and passport control. 

Its growing record of targeting high-profile organizations has heightened concerns over the evolving tactics of ransomware operators. 
 
Details of the Alleged Breach 

According to Brain Cipher, the breach at Deloitte UK revealed critical weaknesses in the company’s cybersecurity defenses. The group claims to have accessed and stolen more than:
  • 1 terabyte of compressed data,
  • Confidential corporate information,
  • Client records, and
  • Sensitive financial details.
Brain Cipher has promised to release detailed evidence of the breach, which reportedly includes:
  • Alleged violations of security protocols,
  • Insights into contractual agreements between Deloitte and its clients, and
  • Information about the firm’s monitoring systems and security tools.
In its statement, Brain Cipher mocked Deloitte’s cybersecurity measures, claiming, “We will show excellent (not) monitoring work and tell what tools we used and use there today.” 

Potential Implications 

If substantiated, the breach could result in:
  • The exposure of sensitive client data,
  • Confidential business information,
  • Financial records, and
  • Severe damage to Deloitte UK’s professional reputation.
Deloitte’s Response 
 
Deloitte UK has not confirmed or denied the breach. However, a company spokesperson issued a statement on December 7, 2024, downplaying the incident: 

"The allegations pertain to a single client’s external system and do not involve Deloitte’s internal network. No Deloitte systems have been impacted." The spokesperson emphasized that the company’s core infrastructure remains secure. 

Ransomware Threats Escalating 
 
Brain Cipher’s ability to target high-profile organizations demonstrates the increasing sophistication of ransomware groups. Their tactics often involve leveraging stolen data to exert pressure on victims, as seen in their apparent invitation for Deloitte representatives to negotiate via corporate email channels. 

Key Takeaways for Organizations 

This incident serves as a critical reminder for organizations to:
  • Implement advanced cybersecurity defenses,
  • Continuously monitor networks,
  • Detect potential breaches early, and
  • Stay ahead of emerging threats.
As the situation unfolds, the cybersecurity community will closely watch Brain Cipher’s next steps, particularly its promised release of evidence. For Deloitte UK and other global organizations, this incident underscores the urgent need for vigilance and robust security measures in an increasingly interconnected digital landscape.
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