LockBit 3.0 Strikes Gottlieb Binder: Ransomware Attack

Incident Date:

May 9, 2024

World map

Overview

Title

LockBit 3.0 Strikes Gottlieb Binder: Ransomware Attack

Victim

Gottlieb Binder

Attacker

Lockbit3

Location

Holzgerlingen, Germany

, Germany

First Reported

May 9, 2024

Ransomware Attack on Gottlieb Binder by LockBit 3.0

Victim Profile

Gottlieb Binder GmbH u. Co. KG is a family-owned company based in Germany, specializing in the design and manufacturing of high-quality fastening solutions for industries such as aerospace, automotive, and personal care. The company was founded in the mid-1950s and is headquartered in Holzgerlingen, Germany, with additional production sites in Bretnig and Großröhrsdorf. With a team of 340 employees, Gottlieb Binder supplies its innovative fastening solutions to 59 countries worldwide.

The company is known for its innovative spirit, know-how, and perfectionism, which have contributed to its success over the years. The company's product range includes hook-and-loop fasteners, mushroom-in-mushroom fasteners, micro-extruded hook fasteners, and bio-inspired adhesive tapes. They also offer profile extrusion, textile chemistry, adhesive technology, and surface treatment services to meet customer requirements. The company's focus on innovation, numerous developments, and patents have solidified its position in the manufacturing sector.

Attack and Vulnerabilities

The cybercrime group LockBit 3.0 targeted the German company by using ransomware as their attack technique. The ransomware encrypted the company's website binder.de, making it inaccessible to users. Gottlieb Binder's prominence in the industry and global reach make it an attractive target for threat actors like LockBit 3.0. The company's extensive network and valuable intellectual property could have made it vulnerable to a ransomware attack. Moreover, the company's emphasis on customization and technological advancements may have increased its attack surface, providing avenues for cybercriminals to exploit.

Ransomware Group Tactics

LockBit 3.0's advanced features, such as file encryption, desktop modifications, and lateral movement capabilities within networks, make it a formidable threat. LockBit 3.0's evasive nature and obfuscation techniques pose challenges for security researchers in analyzing and defending against the ransomware.

LockBit May Attacks

This ransomware attack on Gottlieb Binder is part of the May 2024 attacks by LockBit 3.0, a cybercriminal group that resurfaced with vigor following the disruption of its infrastructure during "Operation Cronos." Despite law enforcement efforts, LockBit swiftly returned, targeting over 50 victims within hours of reactivating its platform. The group's adaptability and global reach showcase the challenges in combating cybercrime effectively, emphasizing the need for enhanced international cooperation and proactive cybersecurity measures.

Sources:

Recent Ransomware Attacks

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