Anderson Oil & Gas Hit by Hunters International Ransomware Attack
Incident Date:
August 7, 2024
Overview
Title
Anderson Oil & Gas Hit by Hunters International Ransomware Attack
Victim
Anderson Oil & Gas
Attacker
Hunters International
Location
First Reported
August 7, 2024
Ransomware Attack on Anderson Oil & Gas by Hunters International
Anderson Oil & Gas, a family-owned business established in 1976 and based in Fredericksburg, Virginia, has recently fallen victim to a ransomware attack orchestrated by the Hunters International ransomware group. This incident highlights the ongoing threat posed by sophisticated cybercriminals to critical infrastructure sectors.
Company Overview
Anderson Oil & Gas, originally founded by Vernon Anderson, has grown from supplying heating oil and gasoline to small country stores to becoming a significant player in the fuel and oil industry. The company offers a range of services, including heating oil and kerosene distribution, gasoline and diesel supply, and propane services. Known for its strong local presence and commitment to customer service, Anderson Oil & Gas has built a reputation as a trusted fuel supplier in the Fredericksburg area.
Attack Overview
The ransomware attack on Anderson Oil & Gas was claimed by the Hunters International group via their dark web leak site. The cybercriminals successfully infiltrated the company's systems, adding Anderson Oil & Gas to their growing list of targets. The attack underscores the persistent threat posed by ransomware groups to companies in the Energy, Utilities & Waste sector.
About Hunters International
Hunters International is a Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS) group that emerged in Q3 of 2023, shortly after the disruption of the notorious Hive ransomware group. The group's ransomware code contains significant overlap with Hive ransomware, indicating a shared technical lineage. Hunters International focuses on exfiltrating target data and extorting victims with ransom demands in exchange for the return of the stolen data. The group has been detected targeting victims across various regions, including the US, UK, Germany, and Namibia.
Penetration and Impact
While the exact method of penetration into Anderson Oil & Gas's systems remains unclear, it is likely that the group exploited vulnerabilities in the company's cybersecurity defenses. Hunters International is known for using sophisticated encryption methods and operational strategies inherited from the Hive ransomware group. The attack has resulted in significant data breaches, financial losses, and potential reputational damage to Anderson Oil & Gas.
Sources
Recent Ransomware Attacks
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