Tag Archive for: shutdown

Ubisoft reportedly shutdown a “data security incident” earlier this week


Ubisoft is reportedly investigating an “unknown threat actor” who allegedly gained access to the company’s Microsoft Teams, Confluence, Atlas, and SharePoint channels for 48 hours before access was revoked.

According to the Gaming Leaks and Rumours subreddit and as reported by Bleeping Computer, screenshots allegedly taken during the 20th December hack have since been leaked online. Ubisoft has reportedly confirmed it is investigating an “alleged data security incident”.

“December 20th, an unknown Threat Actor compromised Ubisoft,” tweeted vx-underground. “The individual had access for roughly 48 hours until administration realised something was off, and access was revoked.

“They aimed to exfiltrate roughly 900GB of data but lost access,” vx-underground adds. It’s not clear what, if any, data the hacker obtained before they were kicked from the system.

Apparently, the “threat actor” would not share how they got initial access, but upon entry into Ubisoft’s internal systems, the hacker “audited users access rights and spent time thoroughly reviewing Microsoft Teams, Confluence, and SharePoint”.

Access was revoked before the threat actor successfully exfiltrated Rainbow Six Siege user data.

“We are aware of an alleged data security incident and are currently investigating. We don’t have more to share at this time,” Ubisoft said in a statement to BleepingComputer.

Marvel’s Spider-Man developer Insomniac Games has now released a statement addressing the ransomware attack on its studio earlier this month, the release of stolen data this week, and the spread of information on upcoming projects now circulating the internet.

The PlayStation studio had stayed silent until now, something it said was a result of it being “focused inward” to support team members. Personal data was included in…

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London library officials confirm hackers behind system shutdown


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London Public Library officials have confirmed it was a “cyberattack” that has shut down branches and hampered services, damage they’re working to undo with the help of an outside security firm.

Until Wednesday afternoon, they’d only referred to the Dec. 13 shutdown as a “cyber incident” – declining to be more specific amid questions over whether this was akin to the attack by hackers that hit the Toronto Public Library this fall. But a fuller picture of what occurred is now coming clear.

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“The investigation has confirmed that the outage that occurred on Dec. 13 was the result of a cyberattack,” library spokesperson Ellen Hobin said. “At this time, the investigation has not determined whether personal information may be implicated.

“The library has also been communicating with the London Police Service in connection with the attack. It’s anticipated that the investigation and restoration to full operations will take more time.”

The attack shut down three of the 16 library branches and has limited its services. Those three branches – Carson, Lambeth and Glanworth – were closed in the immediate fallout of the incident and will remain closed until Jan. 2.

The statement comes seven days after the incident. It remains unclear whether any data was compromised or lost.

The attack shut down library phone lines, its website, staff emails, its digital catalogue and the public WiFi used by many Londoners who have no other option for internet access.

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One local expert called the cyberattack yet another warning that no publicly funded organization is safe.

“This should be a wake-up call,” technology consultant Carmi Levy said. “Many have not given priority to cyber security awareness. It leaves them more vulnerable.”

Agencies need to take the risks more seriously, including staff training to avoid scams, he said. “More has to be dedicated to preparedness training and deterrence.”

If it is indeed a ransomware attack – in which hackers demand payment in…

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Hackers Force Shutdown of Two Key Astronomical Observatories


The International Gemini Observatory, a key player in global astronomical research, has temporarily halted astronomical operations following a cyberattack. The culprits and their motives remain unknown.

The computer hack, which took place on the morning of August 1, led to the suspension of the Gemini North and South Telescopes, as detailed in an August 24 statement from the National Optical-Infrared Astronomy Research Laboratory (NOIRLab). While the North telescope is situated in Hawaii, its southern counterpart is located on Cerro Pachón, Chili, with a few other smaller telescopes located in Cerro Tololo, also in Chile. Observatories stationed on Arizona’s Kitt Peak, however, remain unaffected by the intrusion, according to NOIRLab.

As a precaution, the Gemini.edu website has been taken offline. NOIRLab remains optimistic about its reactivation, saying: “We are encouraged by the progress made thus far.” Specific details concerning the cyberattack have yet to be released, with NOIRLab citing security concerns. NOIRLab says the deactivation of the Gemini.edu site was purely precautionary, even though the main NOIRLab website remains active.

“Like the entire astronomy community, we are disappointed that some of our telescopes are not currently observing. Fortunately, we have been able to keep some telescopes online and collect data with in-person workarounds,” NOIRLab stated in its release. “We are grateful for the support of the astronomy community during this difficult time and we thank everyone for their patience as our teams continue to work towards restoring normal operations.”

Gemini North on Maunakea in Hawai‘i.

Gemini North on Maunakea in Hawai‘i.
Photo: NOIRLab

Backed by the National Science Foundation (NSF), NOIRLab plays a pivotal role in optical and infrared ground-based astronomical observations. While the Gemini Observatory’s telescopes aren’t the largest based on mirror size, they stand out due to their versatility, innovative instruments, and geographically strategic placement in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. This gives researchers access to an expansive range of astronomical objects and…

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Cyber criminals shutdown CT credit union’s online banking


A computer system shutdown that Charter Oak Federal Credit Union officials said was triggered by unidentified cyber criminals has left members unable to access their accounts online at the financial institution’s website since Friday afternoon.

Brian Orenstein, the Waterford-based credit union’s president and chief executive officer, said Monday that Charter Oak officials still aren’t certain when online banking capabilities or access to the website will be restored. Orenstein said the credit union’s information technology and security teams were forced to shutdown down access to the website and online banking portal on Friday because of the actions of unidentified “bad actors” trying to access members personal information.

“We detected some unusual activity on the website on Wednesday,” he said. “The IT team and cyber security experts acted immediately to protect member data and assets. In the process of throttling up online security, Charter Oak’s domain was temporarily locked which has resulted in downtime for the main website and online banking.”

Charter Oak has approximately 80,000 members and about half of them do online banking, Orenstein said. Shortly after the website and online banking platform were shut down, he said fake websites purporting to be the legitimate Charter Oak web page began cropping up.

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Orenstein said members can still do their banking over the phone or at any one of the credit union’s 15 branches across New London and Windham counties.

“There has been no money or member data lost,” Orenstein said. “Because the system is down, the fraudsters can’t get to the website. We are encouraging members who may have provided any login or password information to contact us so we can create new logins and passwords for them, because once the website is restored, customers will be at risk of having their online accounts accessed by these individuals.”

In an email communication to credit union members, Orenstein emphasized Charter Oak’s commitment to securing members personal information, saying that it “is of the utmost importance to us.”

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“Please be sure not to enter your online…

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