Polynt Group Suffers Ransomware Attack by Hiveleak

Polynt Group, a leading player in the chemical industry with a global presence and a turnover of €2.98 billion in 2022, has been targeted by the ransomware group Hiveleak. The attack was announced on the group's dark web leak site. Polynt Group operates in the manufacturing sector, which has seen a significant increase in ransomware activity, with over 70% of all ransomware activity focused on this sector.

Company Overview

Polynt Group is a global company with 37 plants worldwide and 3,123 employees. The company's product portfolio spans a wide range of industries, including automotive, building and construction, chemical industry, coatings, composites, consumer products, cosmetics, and many more. In 2022, the company reported a turnover of €2.98 billion and a volume sale of 870 kton.

Vulnerabilities and Targeting

Ransomware attacks on industrial organizations have nearly doubled, with a significant focus on the manufacturing sector. The attack on Polynt Group highlights the vulnerabilities of companies in this sector, which often have complex and interconnected systems that can be exploited by threat actors. The ransomware group Hiveleak has claimed responsibility for the attack, but the specific vulnerabilities exploited by the group are not publicly disclosed.

Impact and Response

The ransomware attack on Polynt Group has not been publicly disclosed in detail, and the company has not issued a statement regarding the incident. However, ransomware attacks can result in significant disruption to operations, including data loss, system downtime, and potential financial losses. Companies targeted by ransomware attacks are advised to take immediate action to isolate the outbreak, remove all traces of the attackers, and restore systems to normal operating status.

The ransomware attack on Polynt Group underscores the increasing threat of cyber attacks on industrial organizations, particularly those in the manufacturing sector. Companies in this sector must remain vigilant and implement robust cybersecurity measures to protect against such attacks.

Sources

• Polynt Group: A Fine View
• Ransomware activity in industrial environments almost doubles, with over 70% focused on manufacturing sector. (2023, February 15)
• ION Group Ransomware Attack Impacts Derivative Trading in Global Markets. (2023, February 07)
• New ransomware group demands Change Healthcare ransom - Malwarebytes. (2024, April 10)