Recent Ransomware Attacks

Ransomware attacks have become increasingly common in recent years. This cyber attack occurs when malicious software encrypts a victim’s files, making them inaccessible unless a ransom is paid. Attackers may sometimes threaten to release sensitive information or destroy data.

Ransomware news can devastate individuals and businesses, resulting in significant financial losses and reputational damage. Victims may also have no choice but to pay the ransom, as there is no guarantee that their data will be recovered otherwise.

This article will look at some of the most recent ransomware attacks and offer tips on protecting yourself from them.

What Are Ransomware Attacks?

Ransomware attacks are cyber attacks in which a hacker gains access to a victim’s computer system and encrypts their files. The hacker then demands a ransom from the victim in exchange for the decrypt key, allowing them to regain access to their files. These attacks can devastate individuals and businesses, losing important data and money.

Ransomware attacks are usually delivered using malware through phishing emails or malicious websites. Once the malware has been installed on a victim’s computer, it will typically encrypt their files and then display a ransom note demanding payment to decrypt them. Ransomware attacks can be very difficult to recover from, so it is important to take steps to prevent them.

What Are The Biggest Recent Ransomware Attacks?

In the past few years, ransomware news attacks have become increasingly common. The reason for this growth is that ransomware attacks encrypt data and assist with the financial gains of the attackers by demanding a ransom for data decryption.

Unfortunately, these types of attacks are only becoming more common and sophisticated. Here, we’ll look at some latest ransomware attacks that are also the biggest ransomware attacks and what we can learn from them.

COLONIAL PIPELINE-Biggest Ransomware Attack In 2021

On May 7th, the Colonial Pipeline attack led to the shutdown of its operations. This pipeline transports about 45% of the fuel consumed on the East Coast of the United States, so the impact of this attack was immediately felt by Americans who were suddenly faced with long lines and gas shortages. The attack also caused panic buying and hoarding, further exacerbating the situation.

The attack is believed to have been carried out by a group known as the Darkside gang, based in Russia. The threat actor group is thought to be behind several other recent ransomware attacks, including those on Cognizant and Garmin. In this case, malicious actors demanded a $4.4 million ransom to decrypt the victim’s data. The company paid the amount within several hours to get their data back.

The Colonial Pipeline is just one example of how vulnerable an infrastructure security agency is to cyber attacks. This incident highlights the importance of cybersecurity and the need for companies to protect their systems from these attacks.

BRENNTAG

BRENNTAG, one of the world’s leading chemical-distributing high-profile organizations, was the victim of a ransomware attack in May 2021. After stealing 150 GB of data, the DarkSide hacker ransomware group demanded the equivalent of $7.5 million in bitcoin to reverse the encrypted malware. BRENNTAG eventually paid $4.4 million to the hackers, becoming one of the biggest ransomware victims in 2021.

This attack makes it evident for companies to have robust cybersecurity and infrastructure security and backup systems to recover lost data. As ransomware attacks continue to rise, it is clear that no company is safe from this threat and must have emergency services ready for any need.

BRENNTAG’s experience is a cautionary tale for others in the business world. Cybersecurity must be taken seriously to protect data and reputation within government agencies, and authorities should make critical infrastructure to prevent becoming the next victim.

JBS Foods

A Russian hacking group’s biggest Ransomware Attack in May 2021 affected JBS Foods. JBS is the world’s second-largest meatpacking company, with an annual revenue of more than $50 billion.

The attack affected and forced JBS to shut down its beef plants in Australia, Canada, and the United States for several days. This was a major disruption to the global food supply chain. The ransomware used in the attack was REvil, also known as Sodinokibi. REvil is a highly sophisticated malware designed to encrypt data and make it inaccessible.

It is believed that the attackers gained access to JBS’s network through a compromised password manager account. Once they had access, they moved laterally through JBS’s networks and infected various systems with REvil.

The attackers then demanded a ransom of $11 million to decrypt the data of sensitive financial documents and provide JBS with a decryption tool. JBS’s decision-makers decided to pay the ransomware gang. The attackers provided them with the decryption tool and JBcouldto resume operations.

This was a costly cybercrime attack for JBS, but it could have been much worse. The fact that they could quickly resume operations is a testament to their well-designed backup and disaster recovery plan. However, JBS is not the only victim of REvil; many other high-profile attacks in the latest ransomware news, including attacks on HPE, Garmin, and Sodinokibi, have also been used in targeted attacks on individual users.

QUANTA

QUANTA was the victim of a ransomware attack in April of 2021. The REvil gang was responsible for the attack and demanded a $50 million ransom. QUANTA is a major business partner of Apple, and after it refused to negotiate with the hacker group, REvil targeted Apple instead. REvil leaked Apple product blueprints and threatened to release more sensitive confidential documents and data if their demands were unmet.

By May, REvil seemed to have called off the attack. QUANTA was lucky that the attack was not more damaging, but this incident highlights the importance of cybersecurity for all businesses. Cyberattacks can happen to any company, no matter how big or small, and it is essential to be prepared. QUANTA learned this lesson the hard way, but hopefully, other companies can learn from their mistakes and such attacks.

Nvidia 

In February of 2022, the graphics processing company Nvidia was hit with a ransomware attack. The attack was carried out by the Lapsus$ ransomware group, who claimed to have access to 1TB of exfiltrated company data. They demanded $1 million in ransom and a percentage of an unspecified fee from Nvidia. While Nvidia confirmed that the cyber attack did not impact their computer networks, it is unclear what data was accessed or stolen.

University Of California, San Francisco 

On June 3rd, 2020, UCSF (the University of California at San Francisco) was hit with a Netwalker ransomware attack. The attackers demanded $3 million in ransom, but the university negotiated it to a $1.14 million ransom payment.

This attack was thought to be done through a phishing email that caused an employee to click on a malicious link and resulted in sensitive data loss. The threat actors refused access to the files that affected the research of students, faculty, and staff. This attack was a reminder that even educational institutions are not immune to these attacks and should opt for cyber security measures to avoid further disruption.

CD Projekt Red

CD Projekt Red, the development studio behind some highly anticipated video games, was the victim of a ransomware attack in 2021. The so-called “HelloKitty” gang accessed the source code to CD Projekt Red’s game projects and encrypted files, demanding a ransom for not releasing the stolen confidential data.

This is considered one of the biggest ransomware attacks in 2021, highlighting the vulnerability of even the most well-protected organizations. CD Projekt Red has easily recovered from the attack and has the backup of all the data. They refused to pay the ransom and have set the high standards that their fans expect. However, this incident serves as a reminder of the dangers posed by cybercriminals.

SpiceJet

SpiceJet, India’s budget airline, was also the target of a ransomware attack. The attack caused hundreds of passengers to be stranded, as departures were delayed for over six hours. SpiceJet’s IT systems were able to contain the situation, and no customer data was compromised. However, the attack has impacted the airline’s brand.

SpiceJet is the latest victim of ransomware attacks that have hit companies worldwide. These attacks have highlighted the vulnerability of companies to cyber-attacks and the importance of having robust security measures in place. SpiceJet has said it is strengthening its cybersecurity and infrastructure security defenses in light of this incident.

Tips And Tricks To Prevent Ransomware Attacks

There are a few things you can do to help prevent ransomware attacks:

  • Update your operating system and anti-malware software. Hackers often exploit security vulnerabilities that have been fixed in the latest updates.
  • Use a reputable antivirus program. Antivirus software can detect and block many types of malware.
  • Be careful about clicking on email attachments sent by people you don’t know.
  • Don’t click on links in emails or text messages from unknown people. These links could redirect you to a malicious website and install malware on your device.
  • Perform regular data backups to prevent losing it to a ransomware attack.

Conclusion

Ransomware attacks are on the rise and show no signs of slowing down anytime soon. These attacks can be extremely disruptive and costly for both businesses and individuals. That’s why it’s important to be aware of the risks and prepare adequate resources to protect yourself.

If you suspect an attack, immediately shut down your computer and contact cybersecurity experts for help. Prevention is always the key to dealing with malware and other cybersecurity threats.

Derik Belair

As President and CEO, Derik leads the vision, strategy and growth of Augmentt. Prior to founding Augmentt, Derik was the Vice President at SolarWinds, leading the digital marketing strategy for SolarWinds’ Cloud division. Derik has been working in the channel for over 20 years, starting his career as a channel sales rep at Corel Corp. and eventually becoming the first employee at N-able Technologies in April of 2000.
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