Riken, a Japanese Research Institute, Suffers Ransomware Attack by Lockbit3

Company Overview

Riken is a comprehensive research institute that conducts research in a wide range of fields, including physics, chemistry, biology, and engineering. It is one of the largest research institutes in Japan, with a significant presence in the scientific community.

Company Size and Industry Standing

Riken is a large research institute with a significant impact on the scientific community in Japan and beyond. Its research spans various fields, making it a key player in the scientific research sector.

Vulnerabilities and Targeting

Riken's vulnerabilities are not explicitly mentioned in the search results. However, it is known that ransomware attacks often target organizations with weak cybersecurity defenses or outdated software. In the case of Riken, the attack by Lockbit3 suggests that the institute may have had vulnerabilities that the group was able to exploit.

Mitigation Strategies

To mitigate the risk of ransomware attacks, organizations should follow good cybersecurity practices, such as:

• Regular vulnerability scanning to identify and address vulnerabilities
• Backing up data and regularly testing backups
• Patching and updating software and operating systems
• Reporting incidents to federal law enforcement and seeking technical assistance from organizations like CISA

Riken's ransomware attack by Lockbit3 highlights the need for organizations to maintain strong cybersecurity defenses and to be prepared for potential attacks. By following best practices and staying informed about the latest threats, organizations can reduce their risk of falling victim to ransomware attacks.

Sources

• Riken's Website: http://riken.co.jp/
• No More Ransom Project: https://www.nomoreransom.org
• Ransomware Fact Sheet: https://www.ic3.gov/Content/PDF/Ransomware_Fact_Sheet.pdf
• NIST's Small Business Cybersecurity: https://www.nist.gov/itl/smallbusinesscyber/guidance-topic/ransomware
• CISA's Official Alerts & Statements: https://www.cisa.gov/stopransomware/official-alerts-statements-cisa
• Stop Ransomware - CISA: https://www.cisa.gov/stopransomware