Ransomware Attack on CUCA Fresca

On March 11, 2024, the ransomware group "play" claimed responsibility for an attack on CUCA Fresca, a hospitality business operating in the restaurant sector. The victim's website is https://lanchonete-cuca-fresca.negocio.site/. The attack was announced on the ransomware group's leak site, which is part of a larger list of organizations affected by ransomware groups.

Victim Profile

CUCA Fresca is a restaurant located in Mogi Guaçu, Brazil, with an address at R. Sebastião Bueno, 400 - Jardim Itamaraty. The company operates in the hospitality sector, which is known for its reliance on digital technologies for business-critical operations, including payment processing, accounting, and reservations. The sector has been particularly vulnerable to ransomware attacks, with incidents causing operational disruption and exfiltrating sensitive data.

Vulnerabilities and Mitigation

Ransomware attacks on hospitality businesses often target unpatched software vulnerabilities, making software updates a crucial defense mechanism. Additionally, implementing access controls based on the principle of least privilege can help prevent unauthorized access to sensitive information systems.

Impact on the Industry

The hospitality sector has been hit hard by ransomware attacks, with incidents causing significant financial and reputational damage. In 2021, a ransomware attack on hotel management software provider Techotel disrupted check-in and check-out operations at hundreds of hotels.

The ransomware attack on CUCA Fresca highlights the ongoing threat of ransomware to the hospitality sector. As the industry continues to recover from the pandemic, companies must remain vigilant against cyber threats and implement robust security measures to protect their sensitive data and operations.

Sources

• Google Maps: Restaurante Cuca Fresca
• LinkedIn: Hospitality hacks: the biggest cyber attacks against the sector
• GitHub Pages: Ransomware Posts
• HackNotice: Uncover Your Human Threat Surface
• Ironscales: Ransomware Attacks in the Hospitality Industry