Ransomware Attack on Tri-State Truck & Equipment by LockBit 3.0

Company Overview

Tri-State Truck & Equipment, Inc., established in 1961, operates within the transportation sector, specializing in sales, parts, service, and rentals of construction equipment. The company boasts a skilled team of technicians and maintains partnerships with several prominent manufacturers to enhance service quality and parts availability. With locations across multiple states including Montana and Wyoming, Tri-State Truck & Equipment serves a significant regional customer base. Despite varying reports, the company's annual revenue is noted to be around $24 million, and it employs approximately 75 individuals.

Details of the Attack

The ransomware group LockBit 3.0, also known as LockBit Black, has recently claimed responsibility for an attack on Tri-State Truck & Equipment. This group, known for its disruptive capabilities, has targeted the company, leading to the encryption of sensitive data and the potential theft of "Very Private Data".

Vulnerabilities and Industry Impact

Like many in the transportation and equipment service industry, Tri-State Truck & Equipment, relies heavily on digital systems for inventory management, customer relations, and operations logistics. This dependency on technology, coupled with potentially inadequate cybersecurity measures, may have made them a prime target for LockBit 3.0. The attack not only threatens the privacy and security of the company's data but also highlights the broader vulnerabilities within the sector, especially for companies that might not have robust cybersecurity protocols in place.

Sources

• VMware Security Blog: LockBit 3.0, also known as LockBit Black
• SentinelOne Anthology: LockBit 3.0 - LockBit Black
• Trend Micro Research: LockBit Ransomware Group Augments Its Latest Variant - LockBit 3.0
• Times of India: Chinese lender ICBC pays ransom for US unit cyberattack - What's LockBit 3.0 and why it's dangerous
• Wazuh Blog: Detecting LockBit 3.0 Ransomware with Wazuh