A ransomware attack on Tata Technologies has taken a new turn, with cybercrime group Hunters International leaking sensitive data reportedly stolen from the company.
More than a month after the Indian multinational tech firm acknowledged the cyberattack, the hackers have released a part of the stolen data. This has alarmed the company regarding the safety of its data.
Hunters International Leaks Tata Technologies’ Sensitive Data
Tata Technologies: Ransomware Gang Hunters International Leaks 1.4 TB of
Kevin Ku/Unsplash
As TechCrunch discovered, the disclosed data, posted on the ransomware gang’s dark website, comprises intimate information about active and former workers at Tata Technologies.
The breached data also encompasses sensitive company papers, including orders for purchases and agreements with Indian and American clients.
As per Hunters International, the leaked dataset holds more than 730,000 files, encompassing Excel spreadsheets, PowerPoint presentations, and PDFs. What’s even more alarming is that it’s not only a set of simple data: about 1.4 terabytes of sensitive data were published on the dark web.
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Is the Previous Tata Hack Connected to the Current Ransomware Attack?
Tata Technologies made a public announcement of a ransomware attack that had impacted some IT assets two months ago. Then, the company assured stakeholders that their client services were “fully functional and unaffected throughout.” Nevertheless, the most recent data leak by Hunters International generates concerns over the full scope of the breach.
Even after repeated requests for comment from TechCrunch, Tata Technologies has not responded yet, leaving it unclear if the leaked information is connected to the previously reported attack.
What is Tata Technologies?
Started as an automotive engineering division of Tata Motors in 1989, Tata Technologies evolved into an independent company in 1994. Today, it is a Tata Group subsidiary and one of India’s largest multinational conglomerates.
Tata Technologies is a product engineering, research, and development services company across various industries, such as the automotive, aerospace, and engineering sectors. Tata Technologies has a presence in 27 countries with 20 delivery centers and employs over 12,500 personnel.
Who Is Hunters International? The Ransomware Group’s Shady Origins
Rising in late 2023, Hunters International is a fairly new ransomware-as-a-service (RaaS) threat group. This cybercrime group makes money by renting out its infrastructure to affiliate hackers who carry out ransomware attacks, for a cut of the ransom payments.
Security researchers have associated Hunters International with the notorious Hive ransomware group, which was largely disbanded by law enforcement authorities in 2023.
Hive perpetrated several high-profile cyberattacks, such as a 2022 attack on Tata Power, another Tata Group subsidiary. The patterns of similarity in attacks indicate that Hunters International might be exploiting Hive’s remaining network and resources.
The Growing Threat of Ransomware Attacks on Cross-Continental Enterprises
Tata Technologies hack is another reminder of rising ransomware group threats. Hacking has intensified over the past few years, with corporations, government entities, and healthcare organizations being increasingly targeted.
Of course, if the companies can invest millions or even billions in their resources and products, they should also invest in cybersecurity to avoid huge losses of company and financial assets.
Cybercrooks are always adapting their modus operandi. In return, companies must intensify their cybersecurity measures.
Without an official word from Tata Technologies on the leaked information, it is not certain if the company will pursue legal action or negotiate with the hackers. If the breach is confirmed to be connected to the January ransomware attack, it could mean a more serious security failure than initially reported.
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