Schuette Metals Ransomware Attack: Cactus Group
Schuette Metals Ransomware Attack by Cactus Group
Company Overview
Schuette Metals, a leading metal fabrication company based in Rothschild, Wisconsin, specializing in custom metal fabrication, welding, and machining services. They cater to various industries such as architectural, agricultural, construction, defense, and industrial sectors. With a history dating back to 1957, Schuette Metals has established a reputation for providing high-quality products and services.
Company Size and Standout
With approximately 137 employees and a revenue of $28.9 million, Schuette Metals stands out in the metal fabrication industry for its unique services, particularly in the agricultural and defense sectors. The company's Quick Response Manufacturing (QRM) process has enabled them to reduce costs and lead times for their customers.
Ransomware Attack Overview
Schuette Metals fell victim to a ransomware attack by the Cactus group, a sophisticated threat actor known for its double-extortion tactics. The attackers managed to exfiltrate 280 GB of data from the company's systems, although the specific type of data has not been disclosed. This breach signifies a significant security incident for Schuette Metals.
Cactus Ransomware Group
The Cactus ransomware group is a relatively new but highly skilled threat actor that has been active since March 2023. Known for exploiting vulnerabilities in VPN appliances and Qlik Sense software, conducting phishing attacks, and partnering with malware distributors, Cactus employs advanced encryption techniques to evade detection.
Attack Details
Cactus gained unauthorized access to Schuette Metals' systems by exploiting VPN vulnerabilities and establishing an SSH backdoor for persistence. The group utilized AES-256-GCM and RSA-4096 encryption algorithms to encrypt files, threatening to leak the stolen data on their dark web portal if the ransom was not paid. This attack highlights the importance of robust cybersecurity measures to protect against evolving ransomware threats.
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