KinetX Aerospace Hit by Play Ransomware, Operations Disrupted
Incident Date:
August 6, 2024
Overview
Title
KinetX Aerospace Hit by Play Ransomware, Operations Disrupted
Victim
KinetX
Attacker
Play
Location
First Reported
August 6, 2024
Ransomware Attack on KinetX by Play Ransomware Group
KinetX Aerospace, Inc., a pioneering aerospace company specializing in mission design and navigation services for NASA's deep space missions, has recently fallen victim to a ransomware attack orchestrated by the notorious Play ransomware group. This cyberattack has significantly impacted KinetX's operations, potentially compromising sensitive data and disrupting business activities.
About KinetX
Founded in 1992 and headquartered in Tempe, Arizona, KinetX is recognized as the first commercial entity to provide navigation services for NASA's deep space missions. The company has made significant contributions to high-profile missions, including those to Mercury, Pluto, and several asteroids. KinetX is also known for its involvement in the NorthStar program, which aims to deploy a constellation of 40 satellites to enhance Space Situational Awareness (SSA) and provide Earth Information and Intelligence (EI2).
KinetX employs a team of skilled engineers and professionals, leveraging both traditional documentation-driven methods and modern model-based and simulation techniques. Their software development is backed by a CMMI Level 3/dev quality certification, and their hardware capabilities are supported by ISO9000/AS9100D quality certifications. The company has also been instrumental in the design and operation of the IRIDIUM satellite constellation and has expanded its global footprint with KinetX Aerospace International (KAI) in Canada.
Attack Overview
The Play ransomware group, also known as PlayCrypt, has claimed responsibility for the attack on KinetX. The group has been active since June 2022 and has targeted a diverse range of industries, including IT, transportation, construction, materials, government entities, and critical infrastructure. The attack on KinetX underscores the growing threat of ransomware attacks and the importance of robust cybersecurity measures.
About Play Ransomware Group
Play ransomware distinguishes itself by using various methods to gain entry into networks, including exploiting RDP servers, FortiOS vulnerabilities, and Microsoft Exchange vulnerabilities. The group employs tools like Mimikatz for privilege escalation and uses custom tools to enumerate users and computers on compromised networks. Play ransomware is known for its minimalistic ransom notes, directing victims to contact the threat actors via email.
Potential Vulnerabilities
KinetX's extensive involvement in high-profile aerospace projects and its reliance on sophisticated software and hardware systems make it a lucrative target for ransomware groups like Play. The company's global operations and partnerships further increase its exposure to cyber threats. The attack on KinetX highlights the need for continuous vigilance and advanced cybersecurity measures to protect against evolving ransomware tactics.
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.