Here’s the latest installment of the Hacks, Attacks and Breaches cybersecurity news update.
The Logically team provides top cyber security stories every week to keep you up to date on the latest news headlines on cybersecurity, hacking, computer security, ransomware and other cybersecurity threats.
Atalanta
Exploit: Ransomware
Atalanta: Food Importer
Risk to Small Business: Imported foods outfit Atalanta has admitted that it suffered a data breach involving employees’ personal information as the result of a ransomware attack in July 2021. An investigation concluded that information related to Atalanta’s current and former employees and some visitors was accessed and acquired by an unauthorized party. Atalanta is North America’s largest privately held specialty food importer. No details were offered by the company about how many records were exposed and what personal information they contained.
How it Could Affect Your Business: Data breach risk has become especially nasty as cybercriminals look to distributors and service providers who may maintain large stores of data for a quick score.
Cox Communications
Exploit: Phishing (Vishing)
Cox Communications: Digital Cable Provider
Risk to Small Business: Cox Communications has disclosed a data breach after a hacker impersonated a support agent to gain access to customers’ personal information. The story goes that on October 11th, 2021, a bad actor impersonated a Cox support agent by phone to gain access to customer information. Cox is the third-largest cable television provider in the US with around 3 million customers.
How it Could Affect Your Business: Vishing has been gaining popularity as employees handle fewer phone calls, making them more likely to take the ones they do get seriously. This is the same method of attack that was used in the 2020 Twitter hack.
The Virginia Division of Legislative Automated Systems (DLAS)
Exploit: Ransomware
The Virginia Division of Legislative Automated Systems (DLAS): Government Technology Services
Risk to Small Business: A ransomware attack has hit the division of Virginia’s state government that handles IT for agencies and commissions within the Virginia legislature. Hackers accessed the agency’s system late Friday, then deployed ransomware. A ransom demand was received on Monday. A Virginia state official told CNN that DLAS was shutting down many of its computer servers in an attempt to stop the spread of ransomware. No information was available at press time about the amount of the ransom demand or what if any data was stolen. AP reports that this attack is the first recorded on a state legislature.
How it Could Affect Your Business: In an ultra-competitive sector like crypto, customers will be watching every move a company makes, especially if it could potentially cost them money.
Kronos Ultimate Group
Exploit: Ransomware
Kronos Ultimate Group: Payroll Services
Risk to Small Business: HR management company Ultimate Kronos Group has been hit by a ransomware attack that could have devastating ongoing repercussions. The company’s Kronos Workforce Central was paralyzed in the attack. That prevents its clients, including heavyweights like Tesla and Puma, from processing payroll, handling timesheets and managing their workforce. Kronos first became aware of unusual activity on Kronos Private Cloud on Saturday evening. The company’s blog says that it is likely the issue may require several weeks to resolve.
How it Could Affect Your Business: Once again, cybercriminals choose a target that offers them a huge stash of data, especially valuable personal and financial information.
