Ransomware Attack on Studio Navarra & Marzano by Sarcoma Group

Incident Date:

October 9, 2024

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Overview

Title

Ransomware Attack on Studio Navarra & Marzano by Sarcoma Group

Victim

Studio Navarra & Marzano

Attacker

Sarcoma

Location

Milano, Italy

, Italy

First Reported

October 9, 2024

Ransomware Attack on Studio Navarra & Marzano by Sarcoma Group

Studio Navarra & Marzano, an Italian company known for its innovative approach in the fields of education and architecture, has recently fallen victim to a ransomware attack by the newly emerged cybercriminal group, Sarcoma. This incident highlights the growing threat of ransomware attacks on small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across various sectors.

About Studio Navarra & Marzano

Studio Navarra & Marzano operates under the registered name Navarra & Marzano S.r.l. and is recognized for its contributions to both the education and architectural sectors. The company is classified as an SME, typically employing fewer than 250 individuals. In the education sector, Marzano Resources is known for its professional development workshops aimed at enhancing teaching practices. Meanwhile, Studio Navarra is celebrated for its artistic and cultural initiatives, providing a platform for local talent in theater, music, and visual arts. This dual focus on education and culture positions the company uniquely in its industry.

Details of the Ransomware Attack

The Sarcoma ransomware group has listed Studio Navarra & Marzano among over 30 victims on its dark web portal. The attack involved the exfiltration of sensitive data, a common tactic employed by Sarcoma to coerce victims into compliance. The group is known for its aggressive strategies, including the threat of public data leaks if ransom demands are not met. The specific details of the data compromised in this attack have not been disclosed, but the incident underscores the vulnerabilities faced by SMEs in safeguarding their digital assets.

Profile of the Sarcoma Ransomware Group

Sarcoma is a relatively new player in the ransomware landscape, having gained notoriety for its rapid succession of attacks across various industries. The group distinguishes itself by not specifying ransom amounts publicly, instead leveraging the threat of data exposure as a primary means of coercion. Sarcoma's operations are characterized by a double extortion strategy, where both data encryption and the threat of leaks are used to pressure victims. The group has shown a preference for targets in regions such as the USA, Canada, Australia, and Spain, although its victimology spans a diverse range of sectors.

Potential Vulnerabilities and Penetration Methods

While the exact method of penetration into Studio Navarra & Marzano's systems remains unclear, SMEs like Navarra & Marzano are often targeted due to perceived vulnerabilities in their cybersecurity infrastructure. The lack of effective security measures and the potential for valuable data make such companies attractive targets for ransomware groups like Sarcoma. This incident serves as a reminder of the critical need for comprehensive cybersecurity strategies to protect against evolving threats.

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.