"Game Publisher Bandai Namco Confirms a Suspected BlackCat Ransomware Attack"

Bandai Namco, a popular game publisher, has admitted to a suspected ransomware attack that may have compromised customer data. The company's internal systems in Asia, excluding Japan, were breached, according to an official statement. Bandai Namco did not reveal the identity of the hacking group, but VX-underground speculated that the BlackCat/ALPHV ransomware gang carried out the attack. BlackCat/ALPHV, which debuted in November 2021, is the successor to the DarkSide/Blackmatter gang, which was responsible for the Colonial Pipeline ransomware attack. The attack prompted law enforcement to step up its anti-ransomware efforts. On July 3, 2022, the cyber intrusion was confirmed, and steps were taken to block access and prevent the ransomware from spreading. However, the company believes that customer information related to the Toys and Hobby Business in Asian regions (excluding Japan) was included in the compromised servers and PCs in the ransomware attack. Employee, user, and business operations data were most likely compromised rather than game source code. Hackers could use potentially leaked personally identifiable information for social engineering attacks. The ransomware group was preparing to leak Bandai Namco's data, according to screenshots shared by VX-underground, and had tagged the company under "data soon." This article continues to discuss the ransomware attack on Bandai Namco, the BlackCat/ALPHV ransomware gang suspected to have been behind the attack, and the increased targeting of gaming companies in cyberattacks. 

CPO Magazine reports "Game Publisher Bandai Namco Confirms a Suspected BlackCat Ransomware Attack"