Ransomware attack “colossal” hits American Businesses

About 200 businesses in the USA are facing a “colossal” ransomware cyberattack, as a cyber-security firm confirms. The Huntress Labs said that the hack had targeted Kaseya, Florida Based IT company. This hack is now spreading through the corporate networks that use its software.

Kaseya has said in a statement on its website that it is investigating a “potential attack.” Huntress Lab said that it is having its suspicion on the Russia-linked REvil ransomware gang for this attack.

The US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency, a federal agency, said it is doing its part to take action for this attack. The cyberattack took place on Friday afternoon while the companies across the US were clocking off for its Independence Day weekend.

But the attack has kept the cybersecurity professionals stay up at night. There is one ransomware attack and another supply chain attack. These latest incidents are causing nightmares on the big Independence Holiday weekend. It has ruined this event for hundreds of IT teams in the USA.

Ransomware is the scourge of the web. Multiple criminal gangs are seeking attempts to gain access to the computer networks to hold them hostage. The rate of attacks is becoming relentless. But it can take a lot of time for the criminals to successfully hijack the computer system of the victim.

In this latest incident, the hackers have shown that they can attack dozens of victims in one go. There have been horrendous supply chain attacks in the past, but this one is one of the biggest incidents. It is showing that the ransomware gangs are going creative to leave the most impact and to command the biggest ransom attack possible.

Kaseya said that one of its applications which runs the corporate servers, computers, might have been compromised. The company is also saying that it is urging its customers to use the VSA tools to immediately shut down the servers. Kaseya has said that a ” small number” of companies are facing this effect. However, the Huntress Lab is saying that the number has crossed 200. It is not clear about the specific companies which are facing the attack.

The website of Kaseya says that it has a presence in more than 10 countries with more than 10000 customers.

Credits: BBC