Ransomware Attack on Santa Rosa Municipio by Hunters International: Data Exfiltration Impact
Incident Date:
July 18, 2024
Overview
Title
Ransomware Attack on Santa Rosa Municipio by Hunters International: Data Exfiltration Impact
Victim
Santa Rosa Municipio Argentina
Attacker
Hunters International
Location
First Reported
July 18, 2024
Ransomware Attack on Santa Rosa Municipio by Hunters International
Overview of Santa Rosa Municipio
Santa Rosa Municipio, the capital city of La Pampa Province in central Argentina, has a population of over 100,000. The municipality is responsible for the administration and development of the city, overseeing urban planning, infrastructure, tax collection, public services, economic development, cultural and social programs, and citizen engagement. The official website, http://www.santarosa.gob.ar/, provides detailed information about its structure, functions, and services.
Details of the Ransomware Attack
The ransomware group Hunters International has claimed responsibility for a significant cyberattack on Santa Rosa Municipio. The attackers have reportedly exfiltrated 258.4 GB of data, encompassing 805,759 files. The group has set a ransom deadline for July 20, 2024, pressuring the municipality to comply with their demands to avoid further data compromise or potential public exposure.
About Hunters International
Hunters International is a Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS) group that emerged in Q3 of 2023, shortly after the disruption of the notorious Hive ransomware group. The group's ransomware code contains approximately 60% overlap with Hive ransomware, indicating a shared technical lineage. Hunters International focuses on exfiltrating target data and extorting victims with a ransom demand in exchange for the return of the stolen data. The group has been detected targeting victims across various regions, including the US, UK, Germany, and Namibia.
Penetration and Vulnerabilities
The exact method of penetration used by Hunters International to infiltrate Santa Rosa Municipio's systems remains unclear. However, the group's techniques and operational strategies resemble those of the Hive ransomware, suggesting they may have used similar encryption methods and tactics. Potential vulnerabilities could include outdated software, lack of employee training on phishing attacks, and insufficient cybersecurity measures.
Impact on Santa Rosa Municipio
The ransomware attack on Santa Rosa Municipio has significant implications for the city's administration and public services. The exfiltration of a substantial amount of data could lead to financial losses, reputational damage, and disruption of essential services. The municipality's reliance on digital infrastructure for tax collection, public services, and citizen engagement makes it a prime target for ransomware groups like Hunters International.
Sources
Recent Ransomware Attacks
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