Elmhurst Group Targeted by Play Ransomware: Data Breach Exposed
Incident Date:
May 29, 2024
Overview
Title
Elmhurst Group Targeted by Play Ransomware: Data Breach Exposed
Victim
Elmhurst Group
Attacker
Play
Location
First Reported
May 29, 2024
Ransomware Attack on Elmhurst Group
Victim Overview
Elmhurst Group is a Pittsburgh-based organization specializing in commercial real estate development and property management. With 11-50 employees and generating an annual revenue of $3.0 million, Elmhurst Group is known for its strong management, exceptional customer service, and commitment to sustainability in the Greater Pittsburgh region.
Attack Overview
The Play ransomware group targeted Elmhurst Group, leaking private and personal confidential data, including client documents, budget information, payroll details, accounting records, contracts, taxes, IDs, and financial information. This breach has posed significant risks to the company's operations and data security.
Ransomware Group Profile
Operated by Ransom House, the Play ransomware group is a significant actor in the cybercrime landscape, particularly known for targeting Linux systems. Evolving from data theft to deploying cryptographic lockers, Play ransomware employs encryption methods similar to Baseline Babuk. The group distinguishes itself with a unique approach to victim communication and has been observed submitting binaries containing hack tools after gaining initial access.
Company Vulnerabilities
Given Elmhurst Group's focus on real estate development and property management, its extensive portfolio of buildings may have made it an attractive target for threat actors like the Play ransomware group. The company's involvement in various projects and handling of sensitive financial and client data could have exposed vulnerabilities in its systems, leading to the successful ransomware attack.
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.
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