The Hunters International Ransomware Gang Targets Chicony Electronics

Background

The Hunters International ransomware gang has attacked Chicony Electronics, a Taiwan-based multinational electronics manufacturer. The company's product lineup includes input devices, power supplies, and digital image products. They offer a variety of products such as desktop keyboards, mobile keyboards, digital cameras, personal computer cameras, integrated webcams, and digital video cameras.

Emergence of Hunters International

Hunters International, a Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS) group, surfaced in Q3 of 2023 following the discovery of source code similarities to the notorious Hive ransomware strain. Security researchers found significant code overlaps between the ransomware used by Hunters and the Hive ransomware. Bitdefender's analysis confirmed these findings, indicating a potential handoff of malicious tools from the Hive operators to another threat actor. Despite these connections, Hunters International has denied any association with the Hive operation.

Modus Operandi

Intelligence reports suggest that Hunters International ransomware focuses on exfiltrating target data and extorting victims with ransom demands for its return. In one documented case, a plastic surgery clinic in the US had approximately 248,000 files, including patient names and addresses, exfiltrated. The ransomware encrypts files with the ".LOCKED" extension and places "Contact Us.txt" files in directories, providing instructions for victims to engage in negotiations on the dark web. Successful attacks by Hunters International often involve significant data exfiltration before issuing a ransom demand, which is typically customized based on the perceived value of the compromised organization.