Virtus Viaggi & Turismo Targeted by Lockbit2 Ransomware Group

The Italian tour operator Virtus Viaggi & Turismo has been targeted by the Lockbit2 ransomware group, as reported on their dark web leak site. The company, which operates in the hospitality sector, has not yet confirmed the attack publicly.

Company Overview

Virtus Viaggi & Turismo is a tour operator and destination management company based in Palermo, Italy. They offer a range of services, including tour packages, accommodation bookings, and travel experiences in various destinations worldwide.

Industry Vulnerabilities

The hospitality industry is a popular target for ransomware attacks due to the disruption and revenue loss caused by these attacks. Ransomware gangs often time their attacks for busy periods, such as holidays, to maximize the pressure on victims to pay large ransoms.

Potential Impact

A successful ransomware attack on Virtus Viaggi & Turismo could result in significant disruption to their operations, including the loss of customer data and the inability to process bookings or provide services. This could lead to a loss of customer trust and damage to the company's reputation.

Mitigation Strategies

To mitigate the risk of ransomware attacks, companies in the hospitality sector should implement strong network segmentation and access controls, utilize preemptive protection solutions powered by threat intelligence, and train staff to identify and report phishing attempts. Additionally, implementing Data Loss Prevention (DLP) controls can help prevent sensitive data from being transferred to attackers.

Sources

• Virtus Viaggi & Turismo Website: https://www.virtusviaggi.it
• TechTarget: Ransomware disrupts hospitality, healthcare in September: https://www.techtarget.com/searchsecurity/news/366554252/Ransomware-disrupts-hospitality-healthcare-in-September
• SC Media: Omni Hotels blames cyberattack for widespread tech outages: https://www.scmagazine.com/news/omni-hotels-blames-cyberattack-for-widespread-tech-outages
• EvonSys: Guide On Ransomware Attacks Faced By Hospitality Service Businesses: https://www.evonsys.com/blog/guide-on-ransomware-attacks-faced-by-hospitality-service-businesses