Ackmo, a Business Services Provider, Suffers Ransomware Attack by Lockbit2

Ackmo, a business services provider located in Borsbeek, Belgium, has recently fallen victim to a ransomware attack perpetrated by the Lockbit2 group. This incident was disclosed on the group's dark web leak site. Ackmo is known for offering a range of services including accounting, tax, and business advisory, specifically catering to the needs of family-owned businesses, KMOS, and sole proprietorships.

The selection of Ackmo by the ransomware group underscores the vulnerability of businesses that handle sensitive financial and business data. Such information is highly valuable to cybercriminals who aim to extort money by encrypting the company's data and demanding a ransom for its release. The digital nature of Ackmo's operations, including its website and client portals, presents potential entry points for cyber attackers.

Lockbit2, the group behind this attack, is notorious for its sophisticated approach to ransomware campaigns. They typically target organizations with significant digital footprints, exploiting weaknesses in remote desktop protocols (RDP) and deploying phishing schemes to infiltrate networks. Once inside, they deploy ransomware to encrypt files, rendering them inaccessible to the organization.

The repercussions of ransomware attacks are profound, leading to data loss, financial setbacks, and damage to the organization's reputation. To counteract these threats, it is imperative for businesses to adopt comprehensive cybersecurity strategies. This includes ensuring software is up-to-date, enforcing strong password policies, and educating employees on the importance of cybersecurity vigilance.

In response to the Lockbit2 attack, Ackmo's immediate focus should be on recovering their systems using secure backups, if available. Additionally, it is crucial to consult with cybersecurity professionals to evaluate the full extent of the breach and to fortify their defenses against future attacks.

Sources

• Ackmo | Uw PIA Boekhouder in Borsbeek. Retrieved April 10, 2024, from https://www.pia.be/nl/kantoren/ackmo
• The Most Common Ransomware Attack Scenarios - MSP360. Retrieved April 10, 2024, from https://www.msp360.com/resources/blog/ransomware-attack-scenarios-and-how-to-be-protected/