Ransomware Attack on UMAPS by Dispossessor Group Exposes Critical Data

Incident Date: Jul 12, 2024

Attack Overview
VICTIM
UMAPS - Unidad Municipal de Agua Potable y Saneamiento
INDUSTRY
Government
LOCATION
Honduras
ATTACKER
Dispossessor
FIRST REPORTED
July 12, 2024

Ransomware Attack on UMAPS by Dispossessor Group

Overview of UMAPS

UMAPS, or Unidad Municipal de Agua Potable y Saneamiento, is a municipal entity responsible for managing and regulating water supply and sanitation services in the Central District of Honduras. Led by General Manager Arturo Tróchez and operating under Mayor Jorge Aldana, UMAPS ensures residents have access to clean drinking water and efficient sanitation services. The organization is involved in infrastructure projects, such as the construction of reservoirs, and provides services like septic tank cleaning and manhole cover fabrication.

Details of the Attack

UMAPS has recently fallen victim to a cyberattack by the group Dispossessor. The attackers have threatened to release sensitive data on public platforms, including YouTube, if their ransom demands are not met. The compromised data includes critical information related to drinking water supply, water treatment, and sanitation services, posing significant risks to public health and security. This breach underscores the urgent need for robust cybersecurity measures to protect essential infrastructure.

About Dispossessor Ransomware Group

Dispossessor emerged in the ransomware scene following a crackdown on the notorious LockBit group. The group mimics LockBit’s structure and content, suggesting either a rebranding effort or a new group leveraging LockBit’s infrastructure. Dispossessor operates under a Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS) model, allowing affiliates to distribute ransomware and execute attacks. Unlike typical ransomware groups, Dispossessor functions primarily as data brokers, publishing data leaks from other groups.

Potential Vulnerabilities

UMAPS, as a municipal utility, manages critical infrastructure and sensitive data, making it a prime target for ransomware attacks. The organization's extensive involvement in water supply and sanitation projects, coupled with its reliance on digital systems for operations and billing, presents multiple entry points for cyber threats. The attack by Dispossessor highlights the vulnerabilities in UMAPS's cybersecurity measures and the need for immediate action to address these weaknesses.

Sources

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