Al-Karam Textile Mills Hit by RansomHouse Data Extortion Attack
Incident Date:
July 29, 2024
Overview
Title
Al-Karam Textile Mills Hit by RansomHouse Data Extortion Attack
Victim
Al-Karam Textile Mills Pvt
Attacker
Ransomhouse
Location
First Reported
July 29, 2024
RansomHouse Ransomware Attack on Al-Karam Textile Mills Pvt.
Al-Karam Textile Mills Pvt. Ltd., a leading textile manufacturer and exporter based in Pakistan, has recently fallen victim to a ransomware attack orchestrated by the RansomHouse group. This incident has raised significant concerns about the security vulnerabilities within the manufacturing sector, particularly for companies with extensive global operations.
Company Profile
Established in 1986, Al-Karam Textile Mills Pvt. Ltd. is recognized as the largest vertically integrated textile setup in Pakistan. The company operates from Karachi, Sindh, and has a constructed area of over one million square feet. Al-Karam employs approximately 1,599 people and reported an annual revenue of $21.6 million. The company specializes in a wide array of textile products, including fashion fabrics, home textiles, and industrial textiles. Their commitment to sustainability and innovation has earned them a strong reputation in markets such as the United States, United Kingdom, France, and Portugal.
Attack Overview
On May 17, 2024, the RansomHouse group claimed to have encrypted data belonging to Al-Karam Textile Mills. The attack potentially disrupted the company's operations and compromised sensitive information. RansomHouse, known for its data extortion tactics, does not use traditional ransomware to encrypt files. Instead, they gain access to corporate networks, steal data, and threaten to leak it publicly if the ransom is not paid.
RansomHouse Group Profile
RansomHouse emerged in late 2021 and distinguishes itself by not using ransomware to encrypt files. Instead, they focus on data extortion, marketing themselves as "professional mediators" aiming to minimize damage and bring conflicting parties together. Despite this self-proclaimed image, their actions are purely extortionate. The group has been linked to other ransomware entities like White Rabbit and Hive, and they target a wide range of industries, including manufacturing, finance, and small businesses in North America and Europe.
Potential Vulnerabilities
Al-Karam Textile Mills' extensive global operations and significant digital footprint make it a prime target for cybercriminals. The company's reliance on advanced technology for high production capabilities and its substantial investments in research and development could have exposed vulnerabilities that RansomHouse exploited. The group's tactics often involve exploiting system vulnerabilities, stealing data, and maintaining a data leak site to pressure victims into paying ransoms.
Recent Ransomware Attacks
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