Play Ransomware Group Targets Belle Tire, Leaks Data
Incident Date:
June 23, 2024
Overview
Title
Play Ransomware Group Targets Belle Tire, Leaks Data
Victim
Belle Tire
Attacker
Play
Location
First Reported
June 23, 2024
Ransomware Attack on Belle Tire by Play Group
Company Profile: Belle Tire
Belle Tire, a prominent tire and automotive service retailer, has been a significant player in the Midwest since its inception in 1922. Headquartered in Allen Park, Michigan, the company boasts over 170 retail locations across Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, and Ohio. Belle Tire is distinguished in the industry by its comprehensive service offerings, including tire sales, automotive repairs, and a unique "enTireLife" package that provides lifetime maintenance services for tires. This extensive network and its integration of digital and physical retail spaces likely increase its exposure to cyber threats.
Details of the Attack
The Play ransomware group, known for targeting Linux systems, has claimed responsibility for the attack on Belle Tire. The breach, discovered on June 24, 2024, involved the compromise of sensitive data such as client documents, payroll, and financial information. The exact scope of the data leak remains undetermined, but the impact is potentially severe given the nature of the stolen data.
Ransomware Group: Play
The Play group, a derivative of the Babuk ransomware family, has evolved to focus on Linux-based systems, particularly targeting organizations with substantial digital footprints. Play ransomware is noted for its use of the Sosemanuk encryption algorithm and a distinctive approach to victim communication, which includes detailed ransom notes. This group's operational tactics include deploying advanced persistent threats and leveraging stolen credentials, which could have facilitated initial access to Belle Tire's systems.
Potential Entry Points and System Vulnerabilities
Belle Tire's extensive use of digital platforms for customer interaction and internal operations may have opened multiple vectors for cyber attacks. Common vulnerabilities such as unpatched software, inadequate endpoint defenses, and phishing could have been exploited by the attackers to gain unauthorized access to the network.
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.