The Akira Ransomware Gang's Attack on SBM

The Akira ransomware gang has attacked SBM. SBM is a prominent facilities management company with a strong presence in the industry. With a focus on providing comprehensive solutions for various facility-related needs, the company has earned a reputation for its efficiency and effectiveness. As a leading player in the facilities management sector, SBM Management offers a wide range of services, including janitorial, custodial, maintenance, and support services. They serve diverse clients, including businesses, organizations, and institutions, helping them maintain clean and safe environments.

Akira posted SMB to its data leak site on July 25th, claiming to have stolen 100GB of passport, NDA, contractual, and confidential agreement data. 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 and negotiation sites.

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 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 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 it using command inputs.