Rhysida Ransomware Attack on Hernando County Florida

Victim Profile

Hernando County, located in the Tampa Bay region of Florida, is a pro-business county with a focus on helping businesses launch, grow, and thrive. The county's Utilities Department provides professional engineering services to various divisions and projects within the county.

Company Size and Industry Standing

Operating within the Government sector, Hernando County is recognized for its support of businesses in the region. The county's Utilities Department plays a crucial role in providing engineering services to support various projects within the county. Hernando County stands out in the industry for its commitment to economic development and business growth.

Cybercriminal Attack

In a recent cyberattack on Hernando County, a cybercriminal known as Rhysida employed ransomware, demanding 40 BTC (equivalent to $2,840,000). The attack involved miscellaneous sensitive documents, with a sample leaked. The ransom deadline was set for April 19th, 2024, with a Cyber Risk Factor of 5.

The Rhysida Ransomware Group, known for targeting sectors such as education, healthcare, manufacturing, information technology, and government, has claimed responsibility for the cyberattack on Hernando County. The ransomware group employs diverse methods to infiltrate networks, including leveraging phishing campaigns and targeting the Windows Operating System.

Rhysida ransomware utilizes a double extortion technique, stealing data before encrypting it and threatening to publish it on the dark web unless a ransom is paid. The group's attacks have been observed to be more widespread, targeting various industries and organizations globally.

Sources:

Hernando County Official Website
Hernando County Utilities Department FAQ Page
SocRadar - Rhysida Ransomware Threat Profile
LogPoint - Uncovering Rhysida and Their Activities
Cyfirma - Weekly Intelligence Report
Tanium - CTI Roundup
Fortinet - Investigating the New Rhysida Ransomware
HACKS OF TODAY 05-12/04/2024