Long Fence Suffers Ransomware Attack by Alphv Group

Long Fence, a prominent entity in the construction sector, has fallen victim to a ransomware attack orchestrated by the Alphv group, also known as LockBit. This incident was disclosed on their dark web leak site. Currently, attempts to access the company's official website yield a 403 Forbidden error, indicating potential ongoing issues resulting from the attack.

As a manufacturer of fencing products, Long Fence specializes in high-security perimeter solutions for critical infrastructure, including prisons, military installations, and utility facilities. The breach underscores the critical vulnerabilities associated with the use of outdated software within industrial networks. Specifically, the attack was facilitated through a compromised Windows 7 PC, which was still in operation and connected to the company's manufacturing machinery. This situation exemplifies the heightened risks that unsupported and vulnerable devices pose to supply chain security.

The Alphv ransomware group, responsible for this attack, has been a significant player in the ransomware landscape, particularly affecting regions such as Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United States. Operating on a Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS) model, Alphv has successfully extorted over $91 million in ransom payments from its victims. This attack on Long Fence serves as a stark reminder of the critical need for organizations to maintain updated software and implement comprehensive cybersecurity strategies to safeguard against such threats. Effective supplier cybersecurity risk management is essential for minimizing the potential repercussions of ransomware attacks on business operations and reputation.

Sources

• SecurityWeek - Ransomware Attack on Fencing Systems Maker Zaun Impacts UK Military Data
• BankInfoSecurity - Fence Manufacturer Says LockBit Breached Its Cyber Barriers
• Darkbeam - How a Cyber Attack Against a Fencing Supplier Leaked UK Military Secrets Onto the Dark Web
• SC Magazine - LockBit Breaches Fence Company's Weakest Link: A Windows 7 PC
• ISSSource - UK Fencing Supplier Hit in Ransomware Attack