Everest Ransomware Hits Small Ohio Dental Practice, Compromises Patient Data
Incident Date:
June 25, 2024
Overview
Title
Everest Ransomware Hits Small Ohio Dental Practice, Compromises Patient Data
Victim
2K Dental
Attacker
Everest
Location
First Reported
June 25, 2024
Everest Ransomware Group Targets 2K Dental in Recent Attack
Overview of 2K Dental
2K Dental is a dental practice based in Parma, Ohio, providing a wide array of dental services aimed at maintaining and enhancing oral health. The practice offers preventive care, restorative treatments, cosmetic dentistry, and specialized procedures. Founded and owned by Dr. Anthony Klobas, 2K Dental prioritizes patient comfort and employs modern dental technology to ensure high-quality care. As a small, privately-owned operation, 2K Dental is a relatively modest target compared to larger dental service organizations or corporate dental chains.
Details of the Ransomware Attack
On June 14, 2024, the Everest ransomware group claimed responsibility for a cyberattack on 2K Dental. The attack was announced on Everest's dark web leak site, where the group revealed that they had exfiltrated data from the dental practice. The full extent of the data leak is still unknown, but it is evident that the breach has compromised sensitive information related to 2K Dental's operations and patient data.
About the Everest Ransomware Group
The Everest Ransomware Group is a notorious cybercriminal organization active since at least December 2020. Initially focused on data exfiltration, the group has evolved into a ransomware operator. Everest is known for targeting organizations across various industries, including healthcare, and has been linked to other ransomware groups such as BlackByte. The group employs sophisticated tactics, including the use of legitimate compromised user accounts and Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) for lateral movement within targeted networks.
Penetration and Vulnerabilities
While the specific method of penetration in the 2K Dental attack has not been disclosed, it is likely that Everest utilized a combination of compromised user accounts and RDP to gain access to the dental practice's systems. Small healthcare providers like 2K Dental often have limited cybersecurity resources, making them vulnerable to sophisticated ransomware attacks. The use of outdated software, inadequate network segmentation, and insufficient employee training on cybersecurity best practices can further exacerbate these vulnerabilities.
Impact on 2K Dental
The ransomware attack on 2K Dental has significant implications for the practice. Beyond the immediate disruption to their operations, the breach of sensitive patient data could lead to regulatory scrutiny, financial penalties, and a loss of patient trust. The practice will need to undertake extensive efforts to secure their systems, recover from the attack, and mitigate any potential damage to their reputation.
Sources
Recent Ransomware Attacks
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