Play Ransomware Group Targets Smartweb Inc., Exposing Sensitive Client Data

Incident Date:

June 12, 2024

Overview

Title

Play Ransomware Group Targets Smartweb Inc., Exposing Sensitive Client Data

Victim

Smartweb Inc. New York

Attacker

Play

Location

New York, USA

First Reported

June 12, 2024

Ransomware Attack on Smartweb Inc. by Play Ransomware Group

Overview of Smartweb Inc.

Smartweb Inc., based in New York, is a specialized IT services and consulting firm that has been providing mission-critical systems to various Fortune 500 companies, banks, law firms, and other businesses for over 20 years. The company, located at 147 W 35th St Ste 401, New York City, employs fewer than 25 people and generates less than $5 million in revenue. Smartweb Inc. focuses on creating custom web development and digital marketing solutions, including web design, e-commerce solutions, and content management systems (CMS).

Details of the Ransomware Attack

Smartweb Inc. recently fell victim to a ransomware attack orchestrated by the Play ransomware group. The attack compromised private and personal confidential data, including client documents, budget, payroll, accounting, contracts, taxes, IDs, and financial information. The breach was announced on Play's dark web leak site, highlighting the severity of the data exposure.

About the Play Ransomware Group

The Play ransomware group, operated by Ransom House, is known for its sophisticated attacks targeting Linux systems. Initially linked to the Babuk code, Play ransomware has evolved to target ESXi lockers. The group employs advanced encryption methods and unique communication tactics, making it a formidable threat in the cybercrime landscape.

Potential Vulnerabilities and Attack Penetration

Smartweb Inc.'s small size and limited resources may have contributed to its vulnerability. The company's focus on web development and digital marketing likely involves handling significant amounts of sensitive data, making it an attractive target for ransomware groups. Play ransomware actors typically gain initial access through vulnerabilities in network security, using tools like AnyDesk, NetCat, and encoded PowerShell Empire scripts to deploy their malicious payloads.

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.

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London, United Kingdom

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Industry

Education

Victim