blackbasta attacks Michael Sullivan & Associates
Incident Date:
October 12, 2022
Overview
Title
blackbasta attacks Michael Sullivan & Associates
Victim
Michael Sullivan & Associates
Attacker
Blackbasta
Location
First Reported
October 12, 2022
Michael Sullivan & Associates: A Premier Defense Law Firm Targeted by Ransomware
Michael Sullivan & Associates, a law firm specializing in defending California companies, has been targeted by the ransomware group BlackBasta. The attack was confirmed on the firm's website, which operates in the Law Firms & Legal Services sector. The company has 10 offices, 100+ attorneys and hearing representatives, and covers 5 practice areas. They have been serving California for over 25 years and have a diverse legal team, with 52% women and 31% minorities.
The ransomware attack on Michael Sullivan & Associates is part of a broader trend of cyberattacks targeting educational institutions and semiconductor companies. The attackers typically exploit vulnerabilities in under-secured networks and lack of cybersecurity awareness among employees and students. The motives behind these attacks can range from financial gain to political statements or insider threats.
The specific details of the attack on Michael Sullivan & Associates, such as the extent of the data breach and the ransom demands, have not been disclosed. However, the firm has been working to restore access to their data and process payrolls. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of robust cybersecurity measures and employee training to prevent and defend against such attacks.
Comparative Incidents in the Legal Sector
Michael Sullivan & Associates is not the only law firm to have experienced a ransomware attack. In 2022, the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority (SLGA) was targeted by the RansomHouse group, which claimed to have exfiltrated 450 GB worth of data from the organization.
The cybersecurity landscape is constantly evolving, with new threats and vulnerabilities emerging regularly. It is crucial for organizations, especially those in the legal sector, to stay informed and proactive in their cybersecurity efforts.
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.