Tag Archive for: Graff

Graff Pays Russian Hackers $7.5m over Ransomware Attack


July 10, 22 by John Jeffay

(IDEX Online) – The iconic London jeweler Graff is reported to have paid a $7.5m ransom to Russian hackers who stole confidential data about tens of thousands of super-wealthy clients last October.

The payment, made in Bitcoin, came to light after Graff launched a legal action against insurers for refusing to cover the loss, according to a Bloomberg report.

 

The Russian cyber-criminal ransomware gang Conti claimed responsibility for the virtual heist after leaking 69,000 files on the dark web.

It uploaded are files said to relate to, among many others, Donald Trump, Oprah Winfrey, Tom Hanks, Samuel L Jackson, Tony Bennett, Ghislaine Maxwell, David Beckham, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Tetra Pak billionaire Hans Rausing.

Conti reportedly accepted an offer by Graff to pay half the $15m initial demand. The payment was made by Bitcoin last November.

A Graff spokesperson told Bloomberg: “We were determined to take all possible steps to protect [our customers’] interests and so negotiated a payment which successfully neutralized that threat.”

Stolen documents include client lists, invoices, receipts, and credit notes, many with home addresses and other personal information.

Graff was established in 1960 by Laurence Graff, now 83.  He started his working life as a 15-year-old jeweler’s apprentice and now has a personal fortune estimated by Forbes at $5.9bn.

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Graff cyber attack: ‘Tycoons and celebrities on leak list as Russian gang demands ransom’ | World News


Some of the world’s most powerful, wealthy and famous people are thought to have had their personal details stolen by a cybercriminal gang which hacked into the computer systems of exclusive UK jeweller Graff.

The data theft was carried out by Russian group Conti, believed to be based near St Petersburg, which has already leaked 69,000 confidential documents on the so-called dark web, according to reports.

The dark web is the part of the internet which is generally hidden from public view and can only be accessed through special software.

However, it is thought Graff believes the vast majority of people did not suffer any personal data loss – simply their name and address, which are typically available in the public domain from other sources – but not containing details that are considered sufficient to put them at risk of identity theft.

FILE PHOTO: Former U.S. President Donald Trump looks on during his first post-presidency campaign rally at the Lorain County Fairgrounds in Wellington, Ohio, U.S., June 26, 2021. REUTERS/Shannon Stapleton/File Photo
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Some of the files reportedly related to former US president Donald Trump and football superstar David Beckham
David Beckham

Graff operates at the top end of the diamond jewellery market, with more than 60 retail stores worldwide.

Conti is said to be demanding tens of millions of pounds in ransom money to stop the release of further sensitive information.

Documents including client lists, invoices, receipts and credit notes have been taken, according to the Mail on Sunday.

It reports Conti has claimed the information already published, involving about 11,000 of Graff’s clients, represents just 1% of the files it has stolen.

Some of the files related to former US president Donald Trump, TV host Oprah Winfrey, football star David Beckham and retail tycoon Sir Philip Green, claims the paper.

It said around 600 British customers are among the victims named, including Formula One heiress Tamara Ecclestone and ex-England and Chelsea footballer Frank Lampard.

Other stars on the list reportedly include Hollywood actors Tom Hanks, Samuel L Jackson and Alec Baldwin, who has recently hit the headlines after the accidental fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of Western film Rust.

The British socialite Ghislaine Maxwell, who is awaiting trial on charges of recruiting…

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