The Akira Ransomware Gang's Attack on CLX Logistics

The Akira ransomware gang has attacked CLX Logistics. CLX Logistics, also known as CLX Logistics, LLC, is a logistics and transportation management company that provides a range of supply chain solutions and services to businesses across various industries. CLX Logistics is headquartered in Blue Bell, Pennsylvania, USA, and has a global presence, serving clients worldwide. The company specializes in optimizing supply chains, managing transportation, and providing consulting services to help businesses enhance their logistics and transportation operations.

Akira posted CLX Logistics to its data leak site on September 25th, claiming to have stolen 26GB of client, personal, and business documents. The Akira ransomware gang, first identified in May 2023, utilizes the Windows Restart Manager API to effectively close processes or terminate Windows services that might be actively using a file, thereby allowing the encryption process to proceed unhindered. In each computer folder affected by the ransomware, a ransom note named "akira_readme.txt" is placed. This note serves as a communication from the attackers, explaining the situation and providing links to the Akira data leak site and negotiation site.

The Threat and Its Implications

The ransom note issued by the Akira group contains a chilling warning: "Regarding your data, in the event that we fail to reach an agreement, we will attempt to sell your personal information, trade secrets, databases, source codes, and anything else deemed valuable on the dark market to multiple threat actors simultaneously. Subsequently, all of this compromised information will be publicly exposed on our blog." Like to other ransomware groups, the Akira gang infiltrates corporate networks and expands its reach to other connected devices. After acquiring Windows domain admin credentials, the threat actors deploy their ransomware across the entire network. Before encrypting the files, the attackers take the additional step of exfiltrating sensitive corporate data. This stolen information is then used as leverage during their extortion tactics, as they warn victims that the data will be made public unless a ransom payment is made.

The Akira gang has invested considerable effort into designing their data leak website, which features a retro aesthetic and allows visitors to navigate through it using command inputs.