Everest Ransomware Hits Cukierski & Associates, LLC: A Growing Cyber Threat
Everest Ransomware Group Targets Cukierski & Associates, LLC
Overview of the Victim
Cukierski & Associates, LLC, a full-service accounting firm based in Arlington Heights, Illinois, has been providing professional tax and accounting services for over 40 years. The firm offers a wide range of services including tax planning and preparation, accounting and bookkeeping, business consulting, and financial planning. Known for its personalized and high-quality services, Cukierski & Associates is a trusted name in the finance sector, serving businesses, community associations, nonprofits, and individuals.
Details of the Attack
On June 14, 2024, the Everest ransomware group claimed responsibility for an attack on Cukierski & Associates, LLC. The attack was announced on Everest's dark web leak site, although the exact size of the data breach remains unknown. The ransomware group is notorious for its sophisticated tactics, including data exfiltration and the use of compromised user accounts and Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) for lateral movement within targeted networks.
About Everest Ransomware Group
Active since December 2020, the Everest ransomware group has evolved from a data exfiltration outfit to a full-fledged ransomware operator. The group has been linked to the EverBe 2.0 family and has connections with other ransomware groups like BlackByte. Everest is known for targeting high-profile organizations across various industries, including finance, healthcare, and the public sector. The group employs advanced encryption algorithms such as AES and DES, adding the “.EVEREST” extension to encrypted files.
Potential Vulnerabilities
Cukierski & Associates, LLC, like many firms in the finance sector, handles sensitive financial data, making it an attractive target for ransomware groups. The firm's reliance on digital systems for tax preparation, accounting, and financial planning could have exposed vulnerabilities that Everest exploited. The use of compromised user accounts and RDP for lateral movement suggests that the attackers may have gained initial access through phishing or exploiting weak passwords.
Sources
- Cukierski & Associates, LLC
- Cukierski & Associates, LLC
- LinkedIn - Cukierski & Associates, LLC
- Cukierski & Associates, LLC - Business Services
- SignalHire - Cukierski & Associates, LLC
- Cukierski & Associates, LLC - About Us
- SL Cyber - Everest Ransomware Group
- SalvageData - Everest Ransomware
- SOCRadar - Ransomed.vc Ransomware Group
- NCC Group - BlackByte Ransomware
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