Ransomware Attack Jeopardizes South African Cities Network by MadLiberator
Incident Date:
July 17, 2024
Overview
Title
Ransomware Attack Jeopardizes South African Cities Network by MadLiberator
Victim
South African Cities Network
Attacker
Mad Liberator
Location
First Reported
July 17, 2024
Ransomware Attack on South African Cities Network by MadLiberator
Overview of the South African Cities Network
The South African Cities Network (SACN) is a non-profit company established in 2002, primarily focused on enhancing urban governance and management across South Africa's major cities. The organization was founded by the mayors of South Africa's largest cities and key strategic partners. SACN operates as a voluntary membership organization, engaging with various stakeholders including national and provincial governments, private sector entities, and research institutions. The organization is headquartered in Johannesburg and employs a diverse team, including a board of directors and various specialists in urban management and governance.
Details of the Ransomware Attack
Recently, the SACN fell victim to a ransomware attack orchestrated by the cybercriminal group known as MadLiberator. This attack poses a significant threat to the organization's mission and vision, which are vital to its operations. The ransomware attack jeopardizes SACN's critical functions, potentially disrupting its ability to support and enhance urban governance and development across the nation. The attack was announced on MadLiberator's dark web leak site, where the group claimed responsibility and threatened to release sensitive data if their ransom demands were not met.
About MadLiberator Ransomware Group
MadLiberator is a notorious ransomware group recognized for its targeted attacks on various organizations worldwide. The group employs sophisticated encryption methods, specifically AES/RSA, to lock victim files. They are known for their aggressive extortion tactics, including legal threats and intimidation. MadLiberator has previously targeted high-profile entities, including the Italian Ministry of Culture, demonstrating their capability to breach even highly secured systems.
Potential Vulnerabilities and Penetration Methods
The SACN, like many organizations in the government sector, may have vulnerabilities that can be exploited by threat actors such as MadLiberator. These vulnerabilities could include outdated software, insufficient cybersecurity measures, and lack of employee training on phishing and other cyber threats. MadLiberator could have penetrated SACN's systems through phishing emails, exploiting software vulnerabilities, or using stolen credentials to gain unauthorized access.
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.