The notorious Monti ransomware has been sold to new owners. According to the actor's latest update, "This project was bought. It was bought because it suited our goals perfectly and did not have a bad reputation." The change in ownership and a shift in focus towards Western countries highlights a new approach towards ransomware. According to recent statements, the project has been acquired, with new owners expressing their intentions to revamp its infrastructure for future endeavors. In a cryptic post on their platform, the group hinted at upcoming developments, rallying for a collaborative effort to "build the future of the USA and Europe together."

Monti Ransomware Group and Change in Ownership

[caption id="attachment_76870" align="alignnone" width="938"] Source: Dark Web[/caption] This announcement follows a string of cyberattacks perpetrated by the Monti ransomware gang. Notably, a recent incident in the South of France targeted three prominent institutions simultaneously: the Pau-Pyrénées airport, the Pau business school, and the city's digital campus. These attacks, occurring overnight from May 12 to May 13, 2024, disrupted operations and raised concerns regarding cybersecurity vulnerabilities in critical sectors. While the affected institutions scrambled to mitigate the fallout, journalists uncovered insights from the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI) shedding light on the situation. Despite assurances of minimal disruption to activities, the compromised digital infrastructure left a trail of compromised data, including sensitive documents and personal information of employees and students. The modus operandi of the Monti ransomware group draws parallels to its predecessors, notably the Conti ransomware, which ceased operations in May 2022. The emergence of Monti, with its similar tactics and techniques, suggests a strategic emulation aimed at exploiting the void left by Conti's absence.

A Deeper Dive into Monti Ransomware Group

A deeper dive into the Monti ransomware incident reveals a sophisticated operation orchestrated through the exploitation of vulnerabilities like the notorious Log4Shell. The attackers infiltrated networks, encrypted user desktops, and disrupted critical server clusters, leaving organizations grappling with the aftermath. Despite its relative obscurity, the Monti ransomware group has garnered attention within the cybersecurity community. Analysts speculate that the group's emulation of Conti's strategies may stem from the leaked trove of Conti's internal data, providing a blueprint for nefarious activities. As cybersecurity threats evolve, it becomes imperative for organizations to fortify their defenses and stay vigilant against threat actors like the Monti ransomware. Collaborative efforts between cybersecurity experts and stakeholders are essential to mitigate risks and safeguard critical infrastructures from malicious actors. Media Disclaimer: This report is based on internal and external research obtained through various means. The information provided is for reference purposes only, and users bear full responsibility for their reliance on it. The Cyber Express assumes no liability for the accuracy or consequences of using this information.

Ukraine National Police have arrested a man they say helped disguise ransomware used by Russia-based threat groups. The 28-year-old cryptor developer was unnamed in Ukraine and Netherlands announcements of the arrest, but the Dutch statement said he was arrested on April 18, 2024 in a lead-up to May’s massive “Operation Endgame” botnet takedown.

Cryptor Developer Worked with Conti, LockBit

Ukraine cyber ​​police and National Police investigators say they established that the man was involved in the LockBit and Conti ransomware groups. The Kyiv man infected a company in the Netherlands with Conti ransomware in 2021, demanded a ransom and threatened to release confidential company information if payment wasn’t made, according to the Dutch announcement, which cited work by the Netherlands’ High Tech Crime Team of the National Operations and Interventions Unit and the National Public Prosecution Service. They requested Ukraine’s assistance in the case as part of their investigation. As part of the arrest, Ukrainian police conducted house searches in the city of Kyiv and the Kharkiv region on April 18 and seized computer equipment, mobile phones and documents for further investigation (pictured below). [caption id="attachment_76895" align="alignnone" width="300"] Items seized in Ukraine ransomware arrest[/caption] The Ukraine cyber police said the man “specialized in the development of cryptors,” or “special software for masking computer viruses under the guise of safe files” (quotes translated from the Ukraine statement). “Thanks to his programming skills, the person involved was able to hide malicious software from the most popular antiviruses,” the Ukraine statement added.

LockBit Remains Active Despite Repeated Enforcement Activities

The Conti ransomware group reportedly dissolved in 2022 after a Ukrainian researcher leaked the group's source code in retaliation for the group's support of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, but LockBit has remained persistent. Despite the Ukraine arrest and law enforcement successes like Operation Endgame, Operation Cronos, and the unmasking of formerly anonymous LockBit leader Dmitry Khoroshev, LockBit has shown an ability to continually regroup and reestablish threat activities, recently launching high-profile ransomware attacks such as one that the city of Wichita is finally recovering from. Ukraine officials said the investigation is ongoing. The suspect is being charged under part 5 of Article 361, Unauthorized interference in the work of information (automated), electronic communication, information and communication systems, electronic communication networks, of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. The article provides for publishment of up to 15 years of imprisonment, and additional charges are possible. Netherlands officials thanked the Ukrainian investigators for their assistance and said they “are very pleased with the arrest in Ukraine and are grateful for the space that the Ukrainian police have found for this in times of war.”

The MEDUSA ransomware group has reared its ugly head again and this time it has claimed to have targeted three new victims: GEMCO Constructors, Dynamo Electric and Farnell Packaging. The ransomware group’s dark web portal highlighted these additions, adding to their growing list of victims. Like many of its earlier attacks, the group has not disclosed crucial details, such as the type of compromised data. It has, however, demanded a bounty of US $900,000 from GEMCO and $100,000 each from Dynamo and Farnell Packaging to stop leaking its internal data.

MEDUSA Ransomware Attack: The Latest Victims

GEMCO Constructors is headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA. The ransomware actors have claimed to have access to 1.0 TB of the organization's data and has threatened to publish it within 6-7 days. The second company that the group has claimed to have targeted is Dynamo, which is based in Saskatchewan, Canada. Data of the company, which specializes in electrical and electronic manufacturing, has allegedly been compromised. MEDUSA has claimed to have exfiltrated 149.6 GB of the organization's data and plans to publish it within 6-7 days. Farnell Packaging, a Canadian company in the packaging and container industry, has also allegedly been attacked. The attackers claimed to have accessed 193.9 GB of the organization's data and warned the data would be published within 8–9 days. Despite the gigantic claims made by the ransomware group, the official websites of the targeted companies seem to be fully operational, with no signs of foul play. The organizations, however, have not yet responded to the alleged cyberattack, leaving the claims made by the ransomware group unverified.  The article would be updated once the respective organizations respond to the claims. The absence of confirmation raises the question of the authenticity of the ransomware claim. It remains to be seen whether it is a tactic employed by MEDUSA to garner attention or if there are ulterior motives attached to their actions. Only an official statement by the affected companies can shed light on the true nature of the situation. However, if the claims made by the MEDUSA ransomware group do turn out to be true, then the consequences could be far-reaching. The potential leak of sensitive data could pose a significant threat to the affected organizations and their employees.

Background of MEDUSA Ransomware Group

MEDUSA first burst onto the scene in June 2021 and has since targeted organizations in various countries across multiple industries, including healthcare, education, manufacturing, and retail. Most of the companies, though, have been established in the United States of America. MEDUSA functions as a Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS) platform. It provides would-be attackers with malicious software and infrastructure required to carry out disruptive ransomware attacks. The ransomware group also has a public Telegram channel that threat actors use to post data that might be stolen, which could be an attempt to extort organizations and demand payment.

Previous Ransomware Attacks

Less than three weeks ago, MEDUSA ransomware group claimed a cyberattack on Comwave, a Canadian communications giant renowned for providing internet, network security solutions, and customer support services.  In January 2024, a prominent non-profit organization, Water For People, was targeted by the group. The organization faced the pressure of a deadline to comply with the demands of the ransomware group. MEDUSA also targeted four organizations across different countries, including France, Italy, and Spain. The group’s modus operandi remains uniform, with announcements being made on their dark web forum accompanied by deadlines and ransom demands. As organizations deal with the fallout of cyberattacks by groups like MEDUSA, it becomes crucial to remain vigilant and implement stringent security measures. Media Disclaimer: This report is based on internal and external research obtained through various means. The information provided is for reference purposes only, and users bear full responsibility for their reliance on it. The Cyber Express assumes no liability for the accuracy or consequences of using this information.

The Akira ransomware group claims on its dark web leak site to have compromised data from Panasonic Australia. Shortly after that announcement, Singapore authorities issued an advisory advising affected companies to not heed the ransomware group's demands, in response to local law firm Shook Lin & Bok confirming that it had been struck by the group. Panasonic Australia is a regional subsidiary of Panasonic Holdings Corporation headquartered in Japan. It manufactures electronic equipment and devices such as cameras, home equipment, sound equipment, personal care devices, power tools, and air conditioning. The Akira ransomware group has previously targeted several high-profile organizations while netting millions in ransom payments from affected victims.

Akira Ransomware Group Attack on Panasonic Australia

The ransomware group alleged that it had exfiltrated sensitive project information and business agreements from the electronics manufacturer Panasonic Australia. No sample documents were posted to verify the authenticity of the breach claims. The potential impact of the breach on Panasonic Australia is unknown but could present a serious liability for the confidentiality of the company's stolen documents.

Cyber Security Agency of Singapore Issues Advisory

Singapore's Cyber Security Agency (CSA) along with the country's Personal Data Protection Commission (PDPC) issued an advisory to organizations instructing them to report Akira ransomware attacks to respective authorities rather than paying ransom demands. The advisory was released shortly after an Akira ransomware group attack on the Shook Lin & Bok law firm. While the firm still continued to operate as normal, it had reportedly paid a ransom of US$1.4 million in Bitcoin to the group. The Akira ransomware group had demanded a ransom of US$2 million from the law firm earlier, which was then negotiated down after a week, according to the SuspectFile article. The Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (CSA) stated that it was aware of the incident and offered assistance to the law firm. However, it cautioned against similar payments from other affected victims. "Paying the ransom does not guarantee that the data will be decrypted or that threat actors will not publish your data," the agency stated. "Furthermore, threat actors may see your organisation as a soft target and strike again in the future. This may also encourage them to continue their criminal activities and target more victims." The Singaporean authorities offered a number of recommendations to organizations:

• Enforce strong password policies with at least 12 characters, using a mix of upper and lower case letters, numbers, and special characters.
• Implement multi-factor authentication for all internet-facing services, such as VPNs and critical system accounts.
• Use reputable antivirus or anti-malware software to detect ransomware through real-time monitoring of system processes, network traffic, and file activity. Configure the software to block suspicious files, prevent unauthorized remote connections, and restrict access to sensitive files.
• Periodically scan systems and networks for vulnerabilities and apply the latest security patches promptly, especially for critical functions.
• Migrate from unsupported applications to newer alternatives.
• Segregate networks to control traffic flow between sub-networks to limit ransomware spread. Monitor logs for suspicious activities and carry out remediation measures as needed.
• Conduct routine backups following the 3-2-1 rule: keep three copies of backups, store them in two different media formats, and store one set off-site.
• Conduct incident response exercises and develop business continuity plans to improve readiness for ransomware attacks.
• Retain only essential data and minimize the collection of personal data to reduce the impact of data breaches.

"Organisations should periodically scan their systems and networks for vulnerabilities and regularly update all operating systems, applications, and software by applying the latest security patches promptly, especially for functions critical to the business," the police, CSA and PDPC said in a joint statement. The criminal group had previously also come under the attention of various other governments and security agencies, with the FBI and CISA releasing a joint cybersecurity advisory as part of the #StopRansomware effort. Media Disclaimer: This report is based on internal and external research obtained through various means. The information provided is for reference purposes only, and users bear full responsibility for their reliance on it. The Cyber Express assumes no liability for the accuracy or consequences of using this information.

The Akira ransomware group allegedly targeted E-T-A Elektrotechnische Apparate GmbH, an organization located in Germany. The ransomware group claims to have stolen 24 gigabytes of sensitive material, including customer information, non-disclosure agreements (NDAs), financial records, and employee personal information. To substantiate these claims, the threat actor has attached a screenshot with all this information. E-T-A Elektrotechnische Apparate GmbH operates six production facilities and has a presence in 60 countries worldwide. The company’s product range includes a variety of electrical protection solutions essential to numerous industries. The company is renowned for manufacturing circuit breakers, electronic circuit protectors, and various other electronic components. Despite the ransomware group's claims, the company's official website appeared to be fully functional, and there were no signs of foul play. Further to verify Akira's cyberattack on E-T-A claims, The Cyber Express Team reached out to E-T-A Elektrotechnische Apparate GmbH for an official statement. As of the time of writing, no response has been received from the company. This leaves the ransomware claims unverified, with no confirmation or denial from E-T-A's officials.

Akira Ransomware: Previous Track Record

The Akira ransomware gang has arisen as a danger to small and medium-sized organizations (SMBs), mostly in Europe, North America, and Australia. The group uses advanced tactics to infiltrate systems, frequently acquiring illegal access to a company's virtual private networks (VPNs). Sophos X-Ops research shows that Akira often uses compromised login credentials or exploits weaknesses in VPN technologies such as Cisco ASA SSL VPN or Cisco AnyConnect. Recently, in May 2024, Akira targeted Western Dovetail, a well-known woodworking shop. In April 2024, Akira was identified as the gang responsible for a series of cyberattacks against businesses and key infrastructure in North America, Europe, and Australia. According to the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Akira has hacked over 250 firms since March 2023, collecting roughly $42 million in ransom payments. Initially, Akira's attacks targeted Windows systems. However, the gang has since broadened its tactics to include Linux computers, causing anxiety among international cybersecurity agencies. These cyberattacks show Akira's strategy of targeting a wide range of industries and businesses of all sizes, frequently resulting in major operational interruptions and financial losses. As it stands, the Akira ransomware group's claims against E-T-A Cyberattack are unsubstantiated. The lack of an official response from the company creates a vacuum in the confirmation of these claims. While the company's website is still operational, signaling no immediate disruption, a data breach might have serious consequences, compromising client confidentiality, financial integrity, and employee privacy. Media Disclaimer: This report is based on internal and external research obtained through various means. The information provided is for reference purposes only, and users bear full responsibility for their reliance on it. The Cyber Express assumes no liability for the accuracy or consequences of using this information.

The NoName ransomware group has claimed responsibility for a series of cyberattacks targeting key institutions in Spain and Germany. The group’s latest alleged victims include the Royal Household of Spain, Corts Valencianes, and the Government of the Principality of Asturias, as well as German entities such as Energie Baden-Württemberg AG, Leistritz AG, and Aareal Bank AG. In a message posted on a dark web forum, NoName declared, "We continue attack on the Spanish internet infrastructure and destroy the state websites of Russophobic authorities." [caption id="attachment_73295" align="aligncenter" width="528"] Source: X[/caption] [caption id="attachment_73296" align="aligncenter" width="530"] Source: X[/caption] Similarly, they stated regarding Germany, "We continue to punish Germany and destroy several websites of this Russophobic country." These statements underscore the group’s purported motive of targeting entities they deem as "Russophobic." [caption id="attachment_73298" align="aligncenter" width="527"] Source: X[/caption] [caption id="attachment_73297" align="aligncenter" width="522"] Source: X[/caption] Despite these bold claims, the NoName group has not provided concrete evidence or detailed context regarding the nature and impact of these alleged cyberattacks. The Cyber Express team attempted to verify these claims by reaching out to the allegedly implicated organizations. As of the writing of this report, no responses have been received from the officials of the alleged target companies, leaving the claims unverified. Upon accessing the official websites of the listed Spanish and German companies, no disruptions or signs of cyberattack were observed, as the websites were fully functional. This raises questions about the veracity of NoName's claims and the potential for misinformation as a tactic in their cyber operations.

Historical Context of NoName Ransomware Cyber Activities

This isn’t the first instance of NoName targeting prominent organizations. In April 2024, the group allegedly launched a cyberattack on Moldova, affecting key government websites such as the Presidency, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Internal Affairs, and the State Registry. These websites were rendered inaccessible, displaying the message, “This Site Can’t be Reached.” The attack hinted at a politically motivated agenda, though NoName did not explicitly disclose their motives. In March 2024, NoName targeted multiple websites in Denmark, including significant entities like Movia, Din Offentlige Transport, the Ministry of Transport, Copenhagen Airports, and Danish Shipping. Similarly, in January 2024, the group attacked high-profile websites in the Netherlands, including OV-chipkaart, the Municipality of Vlaardingen, the Dutch Tax Office (Belastingdienst), and GVB. More recently, NoName’s cyber onslaught on Finland raised further alarms. Finnish government organizations, including Traficom, the National Cyber Security Centre Finland (NCSC-FI), The Railways, and the Agency for Regulation and Development of Transport and Communications Infrastructure, faced temporary inaccessibility due to DDoS attacks.

Implications and the Need for Vigilance

The sophistication and scale of NoName ransomware operations, combined with their apparent political motives, highlight the urgent need for enhanced cybersecurity measures and international cooperation. The rising frequency of cyberattacks targeting governmental institutions across Europe demands a coordinated response from both national and international cybersecurity agencies. If NoName's recent claims about targeting Spain and Germany are proven true, the implications could be far-reaching. Cyberattacks on such critical institutions could disrupt governmental functions, compromise sensitive data, and undermine public trust. However, any definitive conclusions must await official statements from the allegedly targeted companies in Spain and Germany. The alleged ongoing cyberattacks by NoName ransomware serve as a reminder of the persistent and evolving threat landscape. As the investigation continues, the cybersecurity community must remain vigilant and proactive in protecting digital infrastructure from such malicious actors. Media Disclaimer: This report is based on internal and external research obtained through various means. The information provided is for reference purposes only, and users bear full responsibility for their reliance on it. The Cyber Express assumes no liability for the accuracy or consequences of using this information.

CL0P ransomware group has claimed to have added Cooperativa de Crédito y Vivienda Unicred Limitada to their growing list of victims. The group alleges they have exfiltrated various sensitive financial documents, including invoices and forms, from Unicred cyberattack. The CL0P ransomware group, known for its high-profile cyberattacks, has detailed basic information about Unicred on their leak site, including links to the cooperative's official website. Unicred, founded in 1989 by a consortium of experienced businessmen and financial professionals, specializes in various financing instruments, such as the assignment of deferred payment checks, invoice credits, electronic invoices, and work certificates. The cooperative, with a reported revenue of $15.3 million, has built a reputation for its expertise in credit administration. [caption id="attachment_73263" align="aligncenter" width="678"] Source: X[/caption] Despite the serious nature of CL0P's claims, initial investigations show no immediate signs of a cyberattack on Unicred's official website, which remains fully operational. To clarify the situation, The Cyber Express Team reached out to Unicred's officials. However, at the time of writing, no response has been received, leaving the ransomware group's assertions unverified. [caption id="attachment_73265" align="aligncenter" width="819"] Source: X[/caption] [caption id="attachment_73266" align="aligncenter" width="793"] Source: X[/caption]

Potential Impact of the Alleged Unicred Cyberattack

Should the CL0P ransomware group's claim of a Unicred cyberattack be validated, the repercussions could be substantial for both Unicred and its customers. Ransomware attacks typically involve not only the exfiltration of sensitive data but also the potential for that data to be publicly released or sold, leading to severe privacy breaches and financial loss. Given Unicred's role in handling significant financial transactions and sensitive customer information, a confirmed Unicred cyberattack could undermine customer trust, disrupt business operations, and result in regulatory scrutiny and potential fines. The exposure of financial documents and personal data could also lead to identity theft and financial fraud, posing a serious threat to the affected individuals.

CL0P Ransomware Notorious Track Record

The CL0P ransomware group has a well-documented history of targeting high-profile organizations. Earlier this month, the group listed three new victims on its leak site: McKinley Packing, Pilot, and Pinnacle Engineering Group. In January 2024, CL0P claimed responsibility for compromising S&A Law Offices, a prominent India-based firm specializing in litigation services and intellectual property rights. The cybercriminals posted sensitive employee details, including phone numbers, addresses, vehicle numbers, PAN card details, internal communications, and other personally identifiable information (PII) as proof of the breach. In 2023, the CL0P group was behind a series of significant data breaches exploiting the MOVEit vulnerability. This widespread campaign led the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) to issue a joint cybersecurity advisory. The advisory disseminated Indicators of Compromise (IOCs) and Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTPs) associated with CL0P's operations, emphasizing the group's threat to organizations across various sectors.

Conclusion

The alleged cyberattack on Cooperativa de Crédito y Vivienda Unicred Limitada by the CL0P ransomware group highlights the ongoing and evolving threat landscape in the digital age. While the claims remain unverified, the potential impact on Unicred and its customers is a reminder of the importance of cybersecurity vigilance. As CL0P continues to target high-profile entities, organizations must prioritize cybersecurity to protect their data, maintain customer trust, and ensure business continuity. As this situation develops, further verification and responses from Unicred will be crucial in determining the full extent of the impact and the measures needed to address it. Meanwhile, the cybersecurity community must remain vigilant and proactive in countering the ever-present threat of ransomware attacks. Media Disclaimer: This report is based on internal and external research obtained through various means. The information provided is for reference purposes only, and users bear full responsibility for their reliance on it. The Cyber Express assumes no liability for the accuracy or consequences of using this information.

The notorious Akira ransomware group has added another victim to its growing list of targeted organizations, striking at Western Dovetail, a prominent woodworking company founded in 1993 by Maxfield Hunter, its president, and CEO, along with support from his father, George Hunter, and brother, Josh Hunter. The family-owned business, known for its dedication to woodworking craftsmanship, has become the latest casualty of cybercrime. The Akira ransomware group took to online forums to announce their latest Western Dovetail data breach, proclaiming the availability of "a few GB of their data" for public access. The compromised data reportedly includes sensitive employee information such as addresses, emails, phone numbers, and even details of relatives, along with tax and payment information, and a snippet of medical records.

Western Dovetail Cyberattack: Verification Efforts and Official Response

Despite this disclosure, Akira has remained tight-lipped about their motives behind targeting Western Dovetail. Upon investigating Western Dovetail's official website, no signs of foul play were immediately evident, as the website appeared to be fully functional. To corroborate further, The Cyber Express Team reached out to Western Dovetail officials for comment. However, at the time of compiling this report, no official response had been received, leaving the claim of the Western Dovetail data breach unverified. [caption id="attachment_72947" align="aligncenter" width="850"] Source: X[/caption]

Akira Ransomware Trail of Cyber Destruction

The latest cyberattack on Western Dovetail adds to a growing list of cyber onslaughts orchestrated by the Akira ransomware group. In April 2024, the group was identified as the mastermind behind a series of devastating cyberattacks targeting businesses and critical infrastructure entities across North America, Europe, and Australia. According to the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Akira has breached over 250 organizations since March 2023, raking in a staggering $42 million in ransom payments. Initially focusing on Windows systems, Akira has expanded its tactics to include Linux variants, raising alarm bells among global cybersecurity agencies. Before targeting Western Dovetail, the ransomware group had set its sights on prominent entities such as DENHAM the Jeanmaker, a renowned denim brand based in Amsterdam, and TeraGo, a Canada-based provider of secure cloud services and business-grade internet solutions.

Conclusion and Awaited Response

In the wake of the Western Dovetail cyberattack, the cybersecurity landscape remains fraught with uncertainty. While the company's official response is eagerly awaited, the incident serves as a reminder of the ever-present threat posed by cybercriminals. As organizations strive to protect themselves against such cyberattacks, collaboration between cybersecurity experts, law enforcement agencies, and affected entities becomes increasingly crucial in combating the pervasive menace of ransomware. Media Disclaimer: This report is based on internal and external research obtained through various means. The information provided is for reference purposes only, and users bear full responsibility for their reliance on it. The Cyber Express assumes no liability for the accuracy or consequences of using this information.

The Medusa ransomware group has allegedly claimed a cyberattack on Comwave, a Canadian communications giant. The ransomware actors listed Comwave as its latest victim after a likely attack on May 18, which targeted critical information contained on the company's customer database. Comwave Networks Inc., claims to be the largest independent communications company in Canada and is renowned for providing internet, network security solutions, and customer support services. Based in the Toronto district of North York and run by president and CEO Yuval Barzakay, Comwave was established in 1999 and serves across Canada. The company also provides some wholesale services in the United States. In 2023, Comwave was acquired by Rogers Communications.

Comwave Cyberattack Allegedly Targets Sensitive Data

[caption id="attachment_69372" align="alignnone" width="1381"] Source: Dark Web[/caption] Among the information exfiltrated are scanned copies of various personal documents - likely belonging to its customers - such as driving licenses, birth certificates, identity cards, passports, invoices, screenshots of email correspondence, and an internal Excel database. The Medusa ransomware group has issued a deadline, giving Comwave  nine days to comply with their demands, failing which they threatened to publicly release the compromised data. The severity of the situation cannot be overstated, with implications reaching far beyond Comwave Networks Inc. itself. As a leading player in Canada's telecommunications, the cyberattack on Comwave potentially impacts hundreds of thousands of users in 1,100 Canadian and 1,600 U.S. cities that use their services. The Cyber Express has tried reaching out to the organization to learn more about this Comwave Networks cyberattack. However, due to communication issues, contact was not possible, leaving the claims for the Comwave Networks cyberattack unverified. 

Who is the Medusa Ransomware Group?

The operational status of Comwave's website appears unaffected, suggesting that the attack may have targeted backend systems rather than launching a frontal assault. This modus operandi aligns with Medusa's established tactics, which often involve exploiting vulnerable Remote Desktop Protocols (RDP) and deploying deceptive phishing campaigns.  By utilizing PowerShell for command execution and systematically erasing shadow copy backups, Medusa disrupts data restoration efforts, leaving victims in a precarious position. The Medusa ransomware, which first emerged in June 2021, has grown increasingly audacious over time. Its latest iteration, marked by the creation of the "Medusa Blog," serves as a repository for data leaked from non-compliant victims. Operating within the dark recesses of the internet, Medusa's TOR website serves as a grim reminder of the far-reaching consequences of cybercrime. As organizations grapple with the fallout from cyberattacks like the one targeting Comwave Networks Inc., it becomes imperative to remain vigilant and implement stringent security measures. Detecting and mitigating the threat posed by Medusa and similar ransomware strains requires a concerted effort, one that extends beyond individual companies to encompass collaborative industry-wide initiatives. Media Disclaimer: This report is based on internal and external research obtained through various means. The information provided is for reference purposes only, and users bear full responsibility for their reliance on it. The Cyber Express assumes no liability for the accuracy or consequences of using this information.