Significant Ransomware Attack on Modern Automotive Group by BlackByte Exposes Data
Incident Date:
July 17, 2024
Overview
Title
Significant Ransomware Attack on Modern Automotive Group by BlackByte Exposes Data
Victim
Modern Automotive Group
Attacker
Blackbyte
Location
First Reported
July 17, 2024
Ransomware Attack on Modern Automotive Group by BlackByte
Overview of Modern Automotive Group
Modern Automotive Group LLC is a family-owned network of automotive dealerships established in 1933, primarily operating in North Carolina. The company offers a wide range of automotive services, including the sale of new and used vehicles from popular brands such as Toyota, Ford, and Nissan. Known for its commitment to customer satisfaction, Modern Automotive Group emphasizes a trustworthy and transparent approach in all transactions. The company employs between 1,001 and 5,000 individuals, indicating a substantial operational scale within the automotive sector.
Details of the Ransomware Attack
Modern Automotive Group has reportedly fallen victim to a ransomware attack orchestrated by the BlackByte group. The attack was disclosed via BlackByte's dark web leak site, where screenshots purportedly displaying sensitive company data have emerged. This incident suggests a significant breach, although Modern Automotive Group has yet to release an official statement. The attack underscores the escalating threat of cyberattacks on critical industries, particularly those with extensive customer data and financial transactions.
About BlackByte Ransomware Group
BlackByte is a ransomware operator that employs a ransomware-as-a-service (RaaS) model. Originating from Russia, the group uses advanced tactics such as double extortion to pressure victims into paying ransoms. Initially noted for its low activity in mid-2021, BlackByte has since intensified its operations, drawing attention from federal agencies. The group distinguishes itself by targeting organizations in critical sectors and employing sophisticated methods to gain initial access, such as spear-phishing campaigns and exploiting vulnerabilities.
Potential Vulnerabilities and Penetration Methods
Modern Automotive Group's extensive network and reliance on digital systems for customer transactions and data management make it a lucrative target for ransomware groups like BlackByte. The group could have penetrated the company's systems through various methods, including spear-phishing emails, exploiting software vulnerabilities, or using insider information. Once inside, BlackByte likely employed tools for lateral movement and credential harvesting, such as QakBot and Mimikatz, to maximize their leverage before encrypting files and exfiltrating sensitive data.
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.