Ransomware Attack on Backyard Discovery by Embargo Group

Backyard Discovery, a prominent American manufacturer of outdoor leisure products, has allegedly fallen victim to a ransomware attack by the Embargo group. This incident underscores the persistent threat posed by cybercriminals to businesses with valuable proprietary information.

About Backyard Discovery

Founded in 1968 and headquartered in Pittsburg, Kansas, Backyard Discovery stands as the largest manufacturer of residential outdoor play equipment in the United States. The company specializes in designing and manufacturing wooden playsets, swing sets, and various backyard structures. Known for using high-quality cedar wood, their products are crafted for durability and easy assembly. Backyard Discovery markets its offerings through major retailers like Walmart, Home Depot, and Lowe's, emphasizing affordability and customization.

Attack Overview

The Embargo ransomware group claims to have exfiltrated approximately 1 terabyte of confidential data from Backyard Discovery. This breach highlights the vulnerabilities faced by companies in the manufacturing sector, particularly those with significant intellectual property and customer data. The attack's impact could be severe, potentially affecting the company's operations and reputation.

Embargo Ransomware Group

Embargo is a relatively new player in the ransomware landscape, operating under a ransomware-as-a-service model. The group is known for using Rust to develop its malware, targeting both Windows and Linux systems. Embargo employs a double-extortion tactic, encrypting data and threatening to publish it if the ransom is not paid. Their toolkit includes MDeployer, a loader for deploying ransomware, and MS4Killer, which disables security defenses by exploiting vulnerabilities in drivers.

Potential Vulnerabilities

Backyard Discovery's reliance on digital systems for design, manufacturing, and distribution may have made it susceptible to cyberattacks. The company's extensive network of retail partners and distribution centers could also present multiple entry points for threat actors. The Embargo group likely exploited these vulnerabilities to penetrate the company's systems and exfiltrate data.