Apple vendor latest target of $ 50 million ransomware hack

The REvil looseware gang has found a new target. BleepingComputer and Bloomberg reports the group is threatening Apple after one of MacBook’s key suppliers, tech giant Quanta, allegedly refused to pay a $ 50 million ransom to a cap aimed at its systems. The attackers revealed their efforts along with Apple’s spring meeting after Quanta allegedly indicated that it would not pay on April 27, and from March leaked the component scheme for a MacBook design.

REvil said it would increase demand to $ 100 million if Quanta did not pay by the specified date. It is claimed to have ‘all local network data’ from the contract manufacturer, although it is not clear how much it really has.

In a statement to Bloomberg, Quanta acknowledged that hacks targeted a “small number” of servers and said they were in contact with data protection agencies and law enforcement. The company added that there was ‘no material impact’ on the business, although it did not say whether it intended to pay the ransom. Apple declined to comment.

The hacking team targeted the money-transfer service Travelex in early 2020, and recently tried to extort $ 50 million from Acer in a similar ransomware campaign. It has also attacked companies such as Asteelflash and Pierre Fabre for smaller amounts amounting to only $ 25 million. The high demands could be a negotiation tactic, researchers said BleepingComputer – REvil can still walk away with large sums if he agrees to a lower payout.

Regardless of whether Apple and Quanta concede, the incident illustrates the growing ambitions of loose money groups. In addition to high-profile companies, they have held city governments for ransoms and otherwise, organizations have struggled to pay millions or risk substantial damage. Also, do not expect the offenders to be caught soon. In addition to covering their tracks (like working on the dark web), they are regularly doing so in Russia (like REvil) or in other countries that do not always crack down on hackers targeting foreign entities.

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