Palacios & Asociados Suffers Ransomware Attack

Palacios & Asociados, a logistics operator with over half a century of expertise in customs agency, cargo, transportation, storage, and advisory services across various jurisdictions in Peru, has fallen victim to a ransomware attack orchestrated by the group Hiveleak. Although the company's official website remained unaffected, the breach was disclosed on the attackers' dark web leak site.

Company Overview

As a Class A Foreign Trade Operator (OCE), Palacios & Asociados boasts strategic partnerships with premier shippers and a global network of branches. The company owns a fleet and collaborates with vetted suppliers, offering tailored logistics solutions for industrial projects. These solutions encompass a wide range of coverage against theft, loss, accidents, tampering, and other risks that could damage goods. Furthermore, Palacios & Asociados excels in providing integrated logistics services that enhance the efficiency of the supply chain.

Vulnerabilities and Mitigation

Ransomware attacks often target vulnerabilities such as outdated software, unpatched systems, or weak passwords. To counter these threats, it is imperative for organizations to keep their software up to date, enforce robust password policies, and conduct regular cybersecurity training for their employees. The specific preventive measures taken by Palacios & Asociados remain unspecified, underscoring the importance of transparency and proactive defense strategies in today's digital landscape.

The incident involving Palacios & Asociados underscores the persistent cybercrime threat facing the transportation industry. Although detailed information about the attack is not yet public, it serves as a critical reminder for all organizations to elevate their cybersecurity protocols to safeguard their operations and protect sensitive customer data.

Sources

• Palacios & Asociados. (n.d.). Our Company. Retrieved April 10, 2024, from https://www.pasoc.pe/index.php/en/home/
• Ransomware: Recent advances, analysis, challenges, and future directions. (2021). Retrieved April 10, 2024, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8463105/