Ransomware Attack on Schlattner Engineering: 53 GB Data Breach by Helldown

Incident Date:

August 13, 2024

World map

Overview

Title

Ransomware Attack on Schlattner Engineering: 53 GB Data Breach by Helldown

Victim

Schlattner Engineering GmbH & Co. KG

Attacker

Helldown

Location

Falkenstein/Vogtland, Germany

, Germany

First Reported

August 13, 2024

Ransomware Attack on Schlattner Engineering GmbH & Co. KG

A recent ransomware attack has targeted Schlattner Engineering GmbH & Co. KG, a German engineering firm renowned for its innovative solutions in industrial and commercial construction. The attack was claimed by the Helldown ransomware group, which has reportedly obtained 53 GB of the company's data and shared sample screenshots on their Dark Web portal.

About Schlattner Engineering GmbH & Co. KG

Schlattner Engineering GmbH & Co. KG, also known as Ingenieurbüro Schlattner, is based in Osnabrück, Lower Saxony, Germany. Established in 1986, the company specializes in planning and optimizing civil engineering projects, particularly within the industrial and commercial construction sectors. The firm is known for its innovative approach to engineering challenges, which has helped it establish a solid reputation in the industry. Schlattner Engineering is classified as a small to medium-sized enterprise (SME), typical for firms in the engineering sector.

Attack Overview

The Helldown ransomware group has claimed responsibility for the attack on Schlattner Engineering. The group alleges that they have exfiltrated 53 GB of sensitive data from the company. This data breach could potentially expose critical project details, client information, and proprietary engineering methodologies. The attackers have used their Dark Web leak site to pressure the company into paying a ransom by threatening to publish the stolen data.

About Helldown Ransomware Group

Helldown is a relatively new but aggressive player in the ransomware landscape. The group is known for leveraging sophisticated techniques to infiltrate networks and deploy ransomware. They often exploit vulnerabilities and use legitimate tools for reconnaissance and data exfiltration. Helldown targets critical sectors, including manufacturing and healthcare, which are particularly vulnerable to operational disruptions. The group uses leak sites to pressure victims into paying ransoms by threatening to publish stolen data.

Potential Vulnerabilities

Schlattner Engineering's focus on innovative engineering solutions and their involvement in high-stakes projects make them an attractive target for ransomware groups like Helldown. The company's reliance on advanced technology and methodologies, while beneficial for their operations, also presents potential vulnerabilities. If security measures and backups are not adequately maintained, these can be exploited by threat actors to gain access to sensitive data and disrupt operations.

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.