Ransomware Attack on Granjazul by RansomHub Shakes Agriculture Sector
Incident Date:
October 31, 2024
Overview
Title
Ransomware Attack on Granjazul by RansomHub Shakes Agriculture Sector
Victim
Granjazul
Attacker
Ransomhub
Location
First Reported
October 31, 2024
RansomHub Ransomware Attack on Granjazul: A Detailed Analysis
Granjazul, a leading Guatemalan company in the agriculture sector, has recently fallen victim to a ransomware attack orchestrated by the notorious RansomHub group. Known for its production and commercialization of high-quality eggs and egg products, Granjazul has been a staple in the industry for over 50 years. The company is recognized for its commitment to quality, sustainability, and ethical farming practices, making it a prominent player in the Central American agricultural landscape.
Company Profile and Industry Standing
Granjazul, officially known as Productos Avícolas S.A., operates from Amatitlán, Guatemala, managing a flock of approximately 750,000 hens that produce around 400,000 eggs daily. The company employs between 500 to 999 individuals and generates an estimated annual revenue of $1 million to $5 million. Granjazul's flagship product, Granjazul Plus, is a line of enriched eggs fortified with essential nutrients, addressing nutritional deficiencies in the region. The company's focus on sustainability and quality has earned it various international certifications, further solidifying its reputation in the industry.
Attack Overview
The RansomHub ransomware group has claimed responsibility for the attack on Granjazul, resulting in the encryption of 300GB of critical data. This attack highlights the vulnerabilities faced by companies in the agriculture sector, which often rely on outdated systems and may lack effective cybersecurity measures. The infiltration of Granjazul's systems underscores the need for heightened security protocols to protect sensitive data and maintain operational integrity.
RansomHub's Modus Operandi
RansomHub, a Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS) group, emerged in February 2024 and quickly established itself as a formidable player in the ransomware landscape. The group is known for its aggressive affiliate model and double extortion tactics, encrypting data while exfiltrating sensitive information for leverage in ransom demands. RansomHub's ransomware is optimized for speed and efficiency, targeting cross-platform systems and exploiting vulnerabilities in unpatched systems.
Potential Penetration Methods
RansomHub affiliates likely gained access to Granjazul's systems through phishing campaigns, vulnerability exploitation, or password spraying. The group's use of advanced data exfiltration techniques and intermittent encryption further complicates detection and mitigation efforts. Granjazul's reliance on critical data and operations made it an attractive target for RansomHub, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive cybersecurity strategies in the agriculture sector.
Sources:
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