Analyzing the Impact of the Black Basta Ransomware Attack on Black Diamond Capital Management

Incident Date:

April 30, 2024

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Overview

Title

Analyzing the Impact of the Black Basta Ransomware Attack on Black Diamond Capital Management

Victim

Black Diamond Capital Management Limited

Attacker

Blackbasta

Location

Stamford, USA

Connecticut, USA

First Reported

April 30, 2024

Analysis of the Black Basta Ransomware Attack on Black Diamond Capital Management

Company Profile: Black Diamond Capital Management

Black Diamond Capital Management Limited, a prominent alternative asset management firm based in Stamford, Connecticut, specializes in high yield credit, stressed & distressed credit, restructurings, and business turnarounds. Founded in 1995, the company manages a portfolio valued at approximately $139 million, with annual revenues reaching $19.2 million in 2024. Black Diamond employs 285 individuals and operates additional offices in London, St. Thomas, and Mumbai. The firm's significant involvement in sectors like specialty chemicals, notably with Polynt-Reichhold Group, underscores its influential position in the investment landscape.

Details of the Ransomware Attack

The Black Basta group, known for its sophisticated ransomware operations, targeted Black Diamond Capital Management, resulting in the exfiltration of approximately 900 GB of sensitive data. This data included crucial company information, employee details, personal documents, and customer data. The attack not only encrypted the firm's data but also threatened the integrity and confidentiality of the information, posing significant risks to both the company and its stakeholders.

Black Basta Ransomware Group Profile

Emerging in early 2022, Black Basta quickly became notorious for its double extortion tactics, involving data encryption and the threat of data leakage. The group uses the XChaCha20 encryption algorithm and has been linked to other high-profile cybercriminal groups such as Conti and FIN7. Black Basta's operations are characterized by their precision and targeting of large organizations, particularly in English-speaking countries.

Vulnerabilities and Target Selection

The selection of Black Diamond Capital Management as a target by Black Basta could be attributed to several factors. The firm's significant data assets, including sensitive financial and personal information, make it an attractive target for ransomware attacks aiming for high ransom payouts. Additionally, the firm's global presence and high-profile investments increase its visibility and potential vulnerabilities to sophisticated cyber-attacks.

Sources

Recent Ransomware Attacks

The Recent Ransomware Attacks (RRA) site acts as a watchtower, providing you with near real-time ransomware tracking of attacks, groups and their victims. Given threat actors’ overarching, lucrative success so far, ransomware attacks have become the most ubiquitous, and financially and informationally impactful cyber threat to businesses and organizations today.

The site’s data is generated based on hosting choices of real-world threat actors, and a handful of other trackers. While sanitization efforts have been taken, we cannot guarantee 100% accuracy of the data. Attack updates will be made as source data is reported by reputable sources. By viewing, accessing, or using RRA you acknowledge you are doing so at your own risk.