Cicada3301 Ransomware Attack Exposes 305GB of Data from Groupe PRO-B

Incident Date:

July 17, 2024

World map

Overview

Title

Cicada3301 Ransomware Attack Exposes 305GB of Data from Groupe PRO-B

Victim

Groupe PRO-B

Attacker

Cicada 3301

Location

Trois-Rivières, Canada

, Canada

First Reported

July 17, 2024

Ransomware Attack on Groupe PRO-B by Cicada3301

Overview of Groupe PRO-B

Groupe PRO-B, a French company specializing in the development and distribution of professional audio equipment and solutions for the music industry, has been a prominent player in the European market since its founding in 1989. The company offers a wide range of high-quality audio products, including microphones, headphones, speakers, and audio interfaces, as well as professional audio software solutions for recording, mixing, and mastering music. Groupe PRO-B is known for its commitment to innovation, quality, and customer service, providing technical support, training, and workshops to its customers. The company operates a network of authorized dealers and distributors across Europe, ensuring the availability of its products in various locations.

Details of the Ransomware Attack

In a recent cyberattack, the ransomware group Cicada3301 claimed responsibility for targeting Groupe PRO-B. The attackers reportedly exfiltrated 305 GB of sensitive organizational data, posing significant risks to the company's operations and data security. The breach highlights the growing threat of ransomware attacks on industrial sectors, particularly those involved in manufacturing and distribution.

About Cicada3301 Ransomware Group

Cicada3301 is a relatively new ransomware gang that emerged in June 2024. The group has quickly made headlines by publishing data from multiple victims on its leak site, demonstrating its operational capabilities and intent to extort victims by threatening to release sensitive information if ransoms are not paid. Cicada3301's activities reflect common tactics used by ransomware groups, including exploiting vulnerabilities and utilizing leak sites to maximize their extortion efforts.

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.

Potential Vulnerabilities and Penetration Methods

While specific details about how Cicada3301 penetrated Groupe PRO-B's systems are not publicly disclosed, common vulnerabilities in the manufacturing sector include outdated software, insufficient network segmentation, and lack of employee training on phishing attacks. Ransomware groups often exploit these weaknesses to gain unauthorized access to sensitive data. The attack on Groupe PRO-B underscores the importance of robust cybersecurity measures to protect against such threats.

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.