RansomHub Hits Boston Law Firm Atwood & Cherny in Major Ransomware Attack
Incident Date:
August 15, 2024
Overview
Title
RansomHub Hits Boston Law Firm Atwood & Cherny in Major Ransomware Attack
Victim
Atwood & Cherny
Attacker
Ransomhub
Location
First Reported
August 15, 2024
RansomHub Targets Atwood & Cherny in Ransomware Attack
Atwood & Cherny, a prominent Boston-based law firm specializing in family law, has fallen victim to a ransomware attack orchestrated by the cybercriminal group RansomHub. The attackers have threatened to release 100 GB of the firm's sensitive data within the next 3-4 days if their demands are not met.
About Atwood & Cherny
Established in 1984, Atwood & Cherny, P.C. is a distinguished law firm known for its expertise in handling complex family law matters, particularly those involving high net worth individuals and significant assets. The firm offers a wide range of services, including divorce litigation, child custody disputes, alimony and spousal support, and the drafting and negotiation of prenuptial and postnuptial agreements. With multiple office locations in Massachusetts, the firm is well-positioned to serve clients across the region.
Attack Overview
The ransomware attack on Atwood & Cherny was claimed by RansomHub via their dark web leak site. The group has threatened to release 100 GB of the firm's data if their ransom demands are not met within a specified timeframe. The attack has raised significant concerns about the security of sensitive client information, particularly given the firm's focus on high-stakes family law cases.
About RansomHub
RansomHub is a relatively new player in the ransomware landscape, believed to have roots in Russia. Operating as a Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS) group, RansomHub's affiliates receive 90% of the ransom money, with the remaining 10% going to the main group. The group has targeted various countries, including the US, Brazil, Indonesia, and Vietnam, and has been known to attack healthcare-related institutions. Their ransomware strains are written in Golang, a language that is becoming increasingly popular among ransomware developers.
Potential Vulnerabilities
Law firms like Atwood & Cherny are particularly vulnerable to ransomware attacks due to the sensitive nature of the data they handle. The firm's focus on high-net-worth clients and complex family law matters makes it an attractive target for cybercriminals seeking to exploit valuable information. The attack on Atwood & Cherny underscores the importance of effective cybersecurity measures in protecting sensitive client data from sophisticated ransomware groups like RansomHub.
Sources
Recent Ransomware Attacks
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