The Open Book

 

Sony data for sale: How a ransomware group hacked the entertainment giant

Sony, the Japanese conglomerate that owns PlayStation, Sony Pictures, and Sony Music, among other businesses, has been hit by a ransomware attack. A hacker group called Ransomed.vc claims to have compromised all of Sony's systems and is now offering to sell the stolen data to the highest bidder.

 

What is ransomware and how does it work ?

Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts the files on a victim's computer or network, making them inaccessible. The attackers then demand a ransom, usually in cryptocurrency, to provide the decryption key. If the ransom is not paid, the attackers may threaten to delete the data or publish it online.

Ransomware attacks have become more frequent and sophisticated in recent years, targeting various sectors such as healthcare, education, government, and entertainment. Some of the most notorious ransomware groups include REvil, DarkSide, Conti, and LockBit.

What did Ransomed.vc do to Sony ?

Ransomed.vc is a relatively new ransomware group that emerged in August 2023. It operates as both an independent attacker and a provider of ransomware-as-a-service, meaning it recruits affiliates who can use its malware to launch their own attacks and share the profits.

According to its dark web website, Ransomed.vc claims to have successfully compromised all of Sony's systems and stolen around 6,000 files from the company. The group says it will not ransom Sony, but instead sell the data to anyone who is interested. The group has provided someproof-of-hack data, such as screenshots of an internal login page, an internalPowerPoint presentation, multiple Java files and a file tree of the leak. However, the validity of these claims has not been confirmed by Sony or any independent source.

The group has also listed a "post date" of 28th September 2023, implying that if no one buys the data before this date, Ransomed.vc will release it in its entirety. The group has provided contact details for the Tox messaging service, as well as Telegram and email, for potential buyers.

 What kind of data did Ransomed.vc steal from Sony  ?

It is not clear what kind of data Ransomed.vc has stolen from Sony, or how sensitive or valuable it is. The group has not specified a price for the data, nor has it revealed any details about the content or format of the files.

However, given Sony's diverse portfolio of businesses and products, it is possible that the data could include anything from customer information, financial records, intellectual property, trade secrets, employee data, contracts, legal documents, or even unreleased games or movies.

Sony is not the only company listed on Ransomed.vc's dark web site. The group also claims to have compromised Japanesemobile operator NTT Docomo, demanding a ransom payment of $1 million. However, most of its victims appear to be small firms.

How did Sony respond to the ransomware attack  ?

As of the time of writing this article, Sony has not released a public statement about the alleged breach. The company hasreportedly launched an investigation into the matter and is working with lawenforcement agencies.

Sony has also not commented on whether it will pay the ransom or negotiate with Ransomed.vc. However, experts generally advise against paying ransomware demands, as there is no guarantee that the attackers will honor their promises or refrain from further attacks.

If Ransomed.vc's claims are true, this would not be the first time that Sony has experienced a significant security breach. In2011, Sony's PlayStation Network was hacked by a group called LulzSec, exposing personal information from around 77 million accounts and forcing Sony to suspend the service for several days. Following the 2011 breach, Sony faced as many as 55 class action lawsuits and eventually agreed to provide compensation to those affected, including offering free games.

How can you protect yourself from ransomware attacks?

Ransomware attacks can affect anyone who uses a computer or a network connected to the internet. Therefore, it is important to take some preventive measures to reduce the risk of becoming a victim. Some of these measures include:

• Backing up your data regularly and storing it offline or on a separate device.
• Updating your operating system and applications with the latest security patches.
• Using a reputable antivirus software and firewall.
• Avoiding opening suspicious links or attachments in emails or messages.
• Being wary of phishing scams that try to trick you into revealing your personal or financial information.
• Using strong and unique passwords for your online accounts and enabling two-factor authentication when possible.
• Educating yourself and your employees about cyber threats and best practices 

Conclusion

Sony data for sale is a serious threat that could have major implications for the company and its customers. Ransomed.vc, the ransomware group behind the attack, claims to have compromised all of Sony's systems and is now offering to sell the stolen data to the highest bidder. Sony has not confirmed or denied the breach, but is reportedly investigating the matter and cooperating with law enforcement. If you are a Sony customer or employee, you should monitor your accounts and devices for any signs of unauthorized activity or compromise. You should also follow some basic security tips to protect yourself from ransomware attacks in general.