Ransomware Attack on Amarilla Gas by Play Group

Company Overview

Amarilla Gas, a medium-sized player in Argentina's oil and gas industry, has been a significant entity in the energy sector since 1962. The company specializes in the distribution and supply of natural gas and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). With 17 storage and fractionation plants, 27 distribution centers, and a fleet of 380 vehicles, Amarilla Gas serves over 900,000 households and 3,500 businesses across Argentina.

Attack Overview

The ransomware group Play has claimed responsibility for a cyberattack on Amarilla Gas. The attack compromised private and personal confidential data, including client documents, budget, payroll, accounting, contracts, taxes, IDs, and financial information. The breach was announced on Play's dark web leak site, highlighting the severity of the data exposure.

Ransomware Group Profile

Play ransomware, operated by Ransom House, is known for targeting Linux systems and has evolved from the Babuk code. Initially focusing on data theft, the group has transitioned to deploying cryptographic lockers. Play ransomware is distinguished by its use of Sosemanuk for encryption and a verbose ransom note that provides explicit instructions to victims.

Penetration and Vulnerabilities

Play ransomware actors often use various hack tools and utilities, such as AnyDesk and NetCat, to gain initial access. The group’s tactics include submitting binaries to VirusTotal and using encoded PowerShell Empire scripts. Amarilla Gas's extensive infrastructure and reliance on digital systems for operations and customer service may have made it vulnerable to such sophisticated cyber threats.

Impact on Amarilla Gas

The attack on Amarilla Gas has significant implications, potentially disrupting the company's operations and affecting its large customer base. The exposure of sensitive data could lead to financial losses, reputational damage, and legal consequences. As a critical player in Argentina's energy sector, the security breach underscores the importance of robust cybersecurity measures.

Sources

• Amarilla Gas Official Website
• RocketReach - Amarilla Gas SA Profile
• Dun & Bradstreet - Amarilla Gas SA
• Apollo.io - Amarilla Gas SA
• Clodura.ai - Amarilla Gas SA
• SentinelOne - Hypervisor Ransomware
• Sophos News - Ransomware Gangs and the Media
• TechTarget - Ransomware Definition
• UK Parliament - Ransomware Report
• Check Point - Ransomware Prevention