Chama Gaucha Hit by Ransomware Attack: 50 GB of Data Stolen by Cicada3301
Incident Date:
August 23, 2024
Overview
Title
Chama Gaucha Hit by Ransomware Attack: 50 GB of Data Stolen by Cicada3301
Victim
Chama Gaucha
Attacker
Cicada 3301
Location
First Reported
August 23, 2024
Ransomware Attack on Chama Gaucha by Cicada3301
Chama Gaucha, a renowned Brazilian steakhouse chain in the U.S., has recently fallen victim to a ransomware attack by the notorious group Cicada3301. The attackers claim to have exfiltrated 50 GB of sensitive data from the organization, posing a significant threat to its esteemed reputation.
About Chama Gaucha
Founded in 2008 and headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, Chama Gaucha is celebrated for its authentic churrasco dining experience. The restaurant chain operates locations in San Antonio, Houston, Chicago, and Grapevine, employing approximately 44 to 67 individuals. Known for its high-quality meats and exceptional service, Chama Gaucha has built a strong reputation in the hospitality sector.
Attack Overview
The ransomware attack was publicly disclosed on August 23, 2024. Cicada3301 has issued a warning that the stolen data will be publicly released if the company fails to make contact. This incident threatens to tarnish Chama Gaucha's image, which is built on delivering an unparalleled dining experience characterized by warm hospitality and the tantalizing aroma of grilled meats.
About Cicada3301
Cicada3301 emerged in June 2024 and distinguishes itself by operating as a data broker rather than a traditional ransomware group. The group focuses on stealing sensitive data and selling it on dark web marketplaces. This approach signifies a shift from conventional ransomware tactics to more sustained and long-term damage strategies.
Cicada 3301
To clarify, the name “Cicada 3301” was originally associated with an online puzzle that gained notoriety between 2012-2014. However, the name has since been appropriated by a separate and unrelated ransomware group, which has been the focus of recent reports, including ours.
Halcyon fully respects the legacy of the original “Cicada 3301” organization and recognizes their distinction from the activities of the ransomware group using the same name. Our reporting on the ransomware group is consistent with fair use, aiming to inform the public about cybersecurity threats. For those interested in the original “Cicada 3301” and their official stance on this matter, we encourage you to visit their statement here.
We appreciate your understanding as we strive to maintain clarity and accuracy in our reporting.
Penetration and Vulnerabilities
While specific details on how Cicada3301 penetrated Chama Gaucha's systems are not disclosed, common vulnerabilities in the hospitality sector include outdated software, insufficient network security measures, and inadequate employee training on cybersecurity practices. These weaknesses can be exploited by sophisticated threat actors like Cicada3301 to gain unauthorized access and exfiltrate sensitive data.
Impact and Implications
The exposure of 50 GB of sensitive data can lead to severe consequences for Chama Gaucha, including identity theft, corporate espionage, regulatory penalties, and loss of customer trust. The long-term impact of such data breaches underscores the importance of comprehensive cybersecurity measures to protect against evolving threats posed by groups like Cicada3301.
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.