Ransomware Attack on Original Herkimer Cheese by Play Group

Company Profile

Original Herkimer Cheese, a family-owned business since 1949, specializes in artisanal cheeses, including aged cheddar, cheese balls, logs, and flavored dips. Known for innovation in the dairy sector, they introduced Chutter® and were pioneers in selling the first cheeseball in grocery stores. Operating with less than 25 employees, this small-scale business emphasizes quality and local sourcing, contributing to its national reputation.

Details of the Cyberattack

The Play ransomware group, known for targeting Linux systems and associated with the Babuk code, has claimed responsibility for the attack on Original Herkimer Cheese. The attack compromised the company's website, leading to the potential leak of sensitive data including client documents, payroll records, and financial information.

Vulnerabilities and Industry Impact

As a small business with limited resources, Original Herkimer Cheese may face challenges in implementing comprehensive cybersecurity measures, making them a softer target for ransomware attacks. The dairy industry, while not typically a prime target for cyberattacks, holds valuable data on supply chains and production processes, which can be lucrative for cybercriminals.

Sources

• ZoomInfo: Original Herkimer Cheese Company Profile
• Original Herkimer Cheese: About Us
• Dun & Bradstreet: Company Profile
• LinkedIn: Original Herkimer Cheese
• Bloomberg: Original Herkimer Cheese Profile
• SentinelOne Labs: Hypervisor Ransomware
• Sophos News: Ransomware Gangs and the Media
• TechTarget: Definition of Ransomware
• UK Parliament Publications
• Checkpoint: Ransomware Hub
• Medium: Unveiling New Ransomware Group

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