Meow Ransomware Hits HUD User: Government Data at Risk
Incident Date:
August 7, 2024
Overview
Title
Meow Ransomware Hits HUD User: Government Data at Risk
Victim
HUD User
Attacker
Meow
Location
First Reported
August 7, 2024
Ransomware Attack on HUD User by Meow Ransomware Group
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) research information service, HUD User, has been targeted by the notorious Meow Ransomware group. This attack has been publicly claimed by Meow on their dark web leak site, raising significant concerns about the security of sensitive government data.
About HUD User
HUD User is a critical research information service managed by HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research (PD&R). It serves as a comprehensive resource for housing and urban development research, providing access to a variety of publications, data, and reports that inform policy and practice in housing. HUD User supports evidence-based policymaking by making research and data widely accessible to researchers, policymakers, housing providers, and the general public.
Attack Overview
The ransomware attack on HUD User was orchestrated by the Meow Ransomware group, which has been active since late 2022. The specifics of the attack, including the extent of the damage and the ransom demands, have yet to be fully disclosed. However, the attack underscores the persistent threat posed by ransomware groups and highlights the need for enhanced cybersecurity measures within government agencies.
About Meow Ransomware Group
Meow Ransomware is associated with the Conti v2 ransomware variant and has been active in targeting victims primarily in the United States. The group employs various infection methods, including phishing emails, exploit kits, Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) vulnerabilities, and malvertising. Once a system is compromised, the ransomware encrypts files using a combination of the ChaCha20 and RSA-4096 algorithms. Meow Ransomware is known for posting victim data on their leak site if the ransom is not paid.
Potential Vulnerabilities
HUD User, as a government entity, holds a vast amount of sensitive data related to housing and community development. This makes it an attractive target for ransomware groups like Meow. Potential vulnerabilities could include outdated software, insufficient network security measures, and lack of employee training on phishing and other cyber threats. The attack on HUD User highlights the critical need for government agencies to continuously update and strengthen their cybersecurity protocols.
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.