Smart Source Inc Hit by BianLian Ransomware Exposing Sensitive Data
Incident Date:
September 9, 2024
Overview
Title
Smart Source Inc Hit by BianLian Ransomware Exposing Sensitive Data
Victim
Smart Source, Inc.
Attacker
Bianlian
Location
First Reported
September 9, 2024
Ransomware Attack on Smart Source, Inc. by BianLian Group
Smart Source, Inc., a prominent player in the Information Technology and Services industry, has recently fallen victim to a ransomware attack orchestrated by the notorious BianLian group. The attack was publicly announced on BianLian's dark web leak site, revealing that various types of sensitive data have been compromised.
About Smart Source, Inc.
Founded in 1996 and headquartered in Saint Charles, Illinois, Smart Source, Inc. specializes in IT staffing, multi-site deployment, and technical solutions. The company serves a diverse range of sectors, including consumer goods, financial services, healthcare, hospitality, retail, and technology. With approximately 381 employees and an annual revenue of $82.5 million, Smart Source has established itself as a leader in providing essential resources and services that facilitate business growth and operational efficiency.
Attack Overview
The ransomware attack on Smart Source, Inc. was executed by the BianLian group, which has a history of targeting sectors with sensitive data and financial capacity. The ransomware leak page includes download links for the stolen data and features images as proof of the breach. Although the exact size or amount of the compromised files is not specified, screenshots on the page display folder structures with sensitive information redacted, indicating a significant data exposure.
About BianLian Group
BianLian is a sophisticated ransomware group that has evolved from targeting individual users to launching high-profile attacks on businesses and organizations globally. Initially functioning as a banking trojan, BianLian transitioned into advanced ransomware operations, emphasizing extortion-based strategies. The group gained initial access through compromised Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) credentials and employed various tools for discovery, lateral movement, collection, exfiltration, and impact.
Penetration and Vulnerabilities
Smart Source, Inc.'s extensive involvement in IT services and staffing makes it a lucrative target for ransomware groups like BianLian. The company's reliance on a vast network of vetted tech specialists and its operations across multiple locations could have presented vulnerabilities that the attackers exploited. The use of compromised RDP credentials and custom backdoors specific to each victim are common tactics employed by BianLian to penetrate systems and exfiltrate 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.