October 25, 2023 at 04:37AM
Hunters International, a newly emerged ransomware gang, claims to have accessed a US plastic surgeon’s clinic and leaked patients’ pre-operation pictures in an attempt to speed up a ransom payment. The group has claimed attacks on only two victims so far. Security experts have linked Hunters International to the shuttered Hive group and its aggressive tactic may be perceived as crossing a moral line. The clinic targeted has not responded to requests for comment. Other ransomware groups often avoid healthcare institutions, but some see it as an opportunity for financial gain. There are code similarities between Hunters International and the former Hive group, suggesting a connection, but the group denies this and claims to have purchased Hive’s source code.
Key Takeaways from the Meeting Notes:
1. A ransomware gang called Hunters International targeted a US plastic surgeon’s clinic and leaked pre-operation pictures of patients to pressure for a ransom payment. This aggressive tactic of exposing sensitive information is seen as crossing a moral line.
2. Security experts believe that Hunters International has connections to the disbanded Hive group, known for its ransomware attacks. The leaked code and similarities in the attack indicate a potential link.
3. Other ransomware groups often avoid targeting healthcare institutions due to ethical concerns, but some see it as an opportunity for profit.
4. The buying and selling of ransomware source code is common, making it difficult to establish direct connections between different groups.
5. It is predicted that such attacks and aggressive tactics will become more common in the future, posing a challenge for organizations to secure sensitive information.