The group behind the recent Kaseya cyber attack is asking for a $70M ransom in Bitcoin for a ‘universal decryptor’ key
The Russian hacking group REvil has published a blog post on the dark web taking credit for the audacious cyber attack on MSP providers in the US which they claim affected over a million systems.
They also called on ‘anyone willing to negotiate’ for a ‘universal decryptor’, offering to list the key publicly if someone pays the ransom.
“Everyone will be able to recover from the attack in less than an hour,” the post read.
John Hammond from Huntress Labs Inc sent this screenshot of the blog post in a direct Twitter message to Ticker reporters.
Will the companies pay the ransom?
The general advice from cyber-security experts is to not pay hackers to retrieve their data, because it encourages future attacks.
However, John Hammond from Huntress Labs doesn’t believe the situation is so simple. The cybersecurity firm Huntress Labs Inc is leading the investigation into the attack.
“This is an extremely intricate and tough situation,” he said in a private Twitter message to Ticker reporters.
“You have to make the decision that is best for your business,” he said.
REvil has shared an update on their personal dark web site. Their asking price to decrypt ALL victims is $70,000,000 USD. pic.twitter.com/e5WDWxDE53
The attack targeted more than 20 managed service providers (MSP). Yesterday, Huntress Labs anticipated the hack had affected more than 1000 businesses, which expectations that the figure would grow based on reports from the providers and a Reddit thread tracking the hack.
“It’s reasonable to think this could potentially be impacting thousands of small businesses,” tweeted John Hammond from Huntress Labs. Hammond says the attack targeted a software supplier called Kaseya.
Biden has sinced called for US intelligence to conduct a “deep dive” into the attacks. “We’re not sure it’s the Russians,” he said. “The initial thinking was, it was not the Russian government, but we’re not sure yet.”
Based on a combination of the service providers reaching out to us for assistance along with the comments we're seeing in this thread, it's reasonable to think this could potentially be impacting thousands of small businesses.
Another victim of the attack is Sweden, which has seen around 500 supermarkets unable to trade.
Coop Sweden has closed half of its 800 stores after its point-of-sale tills and self-service checkouts stopped working just before the weekend.
The supermarket itself was not targeted by hackers. However, because it uses on of the affected MSPs it too has fallen victim to the attack.
Cybersecurity becomes and international security issue
This comes as the latest in a string of ransomware attacks in recent months, including the attack on JBS. Experts have also attributed the JBS attack to the REvil cyber gang.
Natasha is an Associate Producer at ticker NEWS with a Bachelor of arts from Monash University. She has previously worked at Sky News Australia and Monash University as an Online Content Producer.
Formula 1 has seen its fair share of millionaire racers, but who tops the wealth charts in the high-octane world of motorsports? We’ve delved into the vaults to unveil the crème de la crème of F1’s richest drivers.
Topping the list is the legendary Michael Schumacher, whose illustrious career brought him a fortune estimated at a staggering £600 million. Schumacher’s success on the track translated into lucrative endorsements and investments, securing his place at the pinnacle of F1 wealth.
In second place is Lewis Hamilton, the modern-day superstar who’s amassed a fortune of £285 million through his unparalleled driving skills and lucrative sponsorship deals. Hamilton’s seven World Championships have catapulted him into the ranks of the sport’s financial elite.
Third on the list is the iconic Ayrton Senna, whose untimely death in 1994 couldn’t overshadow his financial legacy of approximately £250 million. Senna’s charisma and talent continue to resonate with fans and sponsors alike.
Other notable entries include Sebastian Vettel, Fernando Alonso, and Nico Rosberg, all boasting impressive fortunes derived from their F1 exploits.
These colossal earnings demonstrate the immense allure and financial potential of Formula 1. As the sport continues to evolve, the battle for the top spot in the wealth rankings remains as fierce as the races themselves.
In today’s fast-paced world inundated with endless choices, mastering decision-making has become an essential skill.
The digital age has provided us with an unprecedented array of options, from the products we purchase to the paths we choose in our careers and personal lives. With this abundance of choices, individuals often find themselves overwhelmed and paralyzed by indecision.
To navigate this intricate landscape, one must adopt a strategic approach to decision-making. The first step is to clarify your objectives. Clearly define what you want to achieve or the problem you aim to solve.
This sets the foundation for a focused decision-making process.
Gather information
Next, gather information and consider your options. In the digital age, information is readily available, but it’s crucial to distinguish between credible sources and misinformation. Seek advice from trusted experts or mentors when necessary.
Furthermore, embrace the power of prioritization. Not all choices are created equal, and some may have more significant impacts than others. Identify your priorities and allocate your time and resources accordingly.
Additionally, practice mindfulness and self-awareness. Understanding your values, beliefs, and biases can help you make decisions aligned with your true self. This introspective approach can lead to more fulfilling choices.
Lastly, don’t fear making mistakes. In a world full of options, no decision is entirely risk-free. Embrace the learning opportunities that come with making choices, whether they lead to success or setbacks.
By mastering decision-making in this age of abundance, you can lead a more purposeful and satisfying life. Remember, your choices shape your destiny, and with the right strategies, you can navigate the sea of options with confidence.