Ransomware Attack on Midland Turbo by BlackLock

On December 16, Midland Turbo, a key player in the automotive industry, specializing in turbocharger services, fell victim to a ransomware attack by the notorious BlackLock group. This incident underscores the vulnerabilities faced by companies in the manufacturing sector, particularly those with specialized operations.

About Midland Turbo

Midland Turbo Limited, based in Bulwell, Nottingham, has been a significant entity in the automotive sector since its establishment in 2006. The company is renowned for its expertise in the repair, remanufacture, and supply of turbochargers. Operating from a 7,000 square foot facility, Midland Turbo emphasizes quality control and precision, serving a wide range of clients including garages, main dealers, and resellers across the UK. Despite its modest size, with approximately 14 employees, the company has carved a niche in the market with an estimated turnover of £940.3k.

Attack Overview

The ransomware attack orchestrated by BlackLock has left Midland Turbo grappling with potential data breaches. The extent of the data leak remains undisclosed, raising concerns about the impact on the company's operations and customer data. The attack highlights the persistent threat posed by ransomware groups to businesses in the automotive service sector, which often rely on specialized and sensitive data.

BlackLock Ransomware Group

BlackLock, formerly known as Eldorado, is a ransomware-as-a-service group that has quickly gained notoriety for its sophisticated malware targeting both Linux and Windows systems. The group is known for exploiting unpatched vulnerabilities, particularly in virtualized environments like VMware ESXi. BlackLock's ability to adapt and rebrand reflects a broader trend among ransomware groups to evade detection and maintain operational effectiveness.

Sources

• Midland Turbo - About Us
• The Register - Eldorado Ransomware
• SC World - Eldorado Ransomware Group
• UK Government - Company Information