Ransomware Attack on Valley Bulk by Cicada3301: 27GB Data Compromised
Incident Date:
August 2, 2024
Overview
Title
Ransomware Attack on Valley Bulk by Cicada3301: 27GB Data Compromised
Victim
Valley Bulk
Attacker
Cicada 3301
Location
First Reported
August 2, 2024
Ransomware Attack on Valley Bulk by Cicada3301
Valley Bulk, a family-owned logistics company specializing in bulk transportation services, has become the latest victim of a ransomware attack by the cybercriminal group Cicada3301. The attack has compromised 27GB of the company's data, which is now at risk of being publicly released.
About Valley Bulk
Founded in August 1995 by the Golson family, Valley Bulk started with just two trucks hauling clay to landfills in Los Angeles and Ventura counties. Over the years, the company has expanded significantly and now operates over 75 trucks with more than 100 employees. Valley Bulk specializes in transporting a variety of dry bulk products, including cement powder, fly ash, gypsum, silica sand, iron ore, cinders, aggregates, palletized goods, and some non-hazardous liquids. They utilize various types of trailers such as pneumatics, bottom dumps, end dumps, transfers, and curtain side flatbed trailers.
Attack Overview
The ransomware attack orchestrated by Cicada3301 has compromised 27GB of Valley Bulk's data. The attackers have set a publication date of August 1, urging the company to make contact to prevent the release of the stolen data. This attack poses significant risks to Valley Bulk, including potential financial loss, reputational damage, and operational disruption.
About Cicada3301
Cicada3301 is a relatively new threat actor group that emerged in June 2024. Unlike traditional ransomware groups that focus on encrypting data and demanding ransom for decryption, Cicada3301 operates as a data broker. The group steals sensitive data from targeted organizations and sells it on dark web marketplaces. This approach signifies a shift from conventional ransomware tactics to more sustained and long-term damage strategies.
Cicada 3301
To clarify, the name “Cicada 3301” was originally associated with an online puzzle that gained notoriety between 2012-2014. However, the name has since been appropriated by a separate and unrelated ransomware group, which has been the focus of recent reports, including ours.
Halcyon fully respects the legacy of the original “Cicada 3301” organization and recognizes their distinction from the activities of the ransomware group using the same name. Our reporting on the ransomware group is consistent with fair use, aiming to inform the public about cybersecurity threats. For those interested in the original “Cicada 3301” and their official stance on this matter, we encourage you to visit their statement here.
We appreciate your understanding as we strive to maintain clarity and accuracy in our reporting.
Distinguishing Characteristics of Cicada3301
Cicada3301 distinguishes itself through its focus on data theft and monetization rather than traditional ransomware deployment. The group operates a leak site where they publish samples of stolen data to pressure victims and attract buyers. Their main revenue comes from selling the exfiltrated data rather than direct extortion payments. This method can cause long-term damage to organizations, including identity theft, corporate espionage, regulatory penalties, and loss of customer trust.
Potential Vulnerabilities
Valley Bulk's rapid expansion and reliance on various types of equipment and trailers may have introduced vulnerabilities that threat actors like Cicada3301 could exploit. The company's significant growth and operational complexity might have led to gaps in their cybersecurity measures, making them an attractive target for cybercriminals.
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.