FBI, CISA warn US hospitals of targeted BlackCat ransomware attacks

By Sergiu Gatlan, Bleeping Computer

Today, the FBI, CISA, and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) warned U.S. healthcare organizations of targeted ALPHV/Blackcat ransomware attacks.

"ALPHV Blackcat affiliates have been observed primarily targeting the healthcare sector," the joint advisory cautions.

Today's warning follows an April 2022 FBI flash alert and another advisory issued in December 2023 detailing the BlackCat cybercrime gang's activity since it surfaced in November 2021 as a suspected rebrand of the DarkSide and BlackMatter ransomware groups.

The FBI linked BlackCat to over 60 breaches during its first four months of activity (between November 2021 and March 2022) and said the gang has raked in at least $300 million in ransoms from over 1,000 victims until September 2023.

"Since mid-December 2023, of the nearly 70 leaked victims, the healthcare sector has been the most commonly victimized," the three federal agencies warned in today's joint advisory.

"This is likely in response to the ALPHV Blackcat administrator's post encouraging its affiliates to target hospitals after operational action against the group and its infrastructure in early December 2023."

The FBI, CISA, and HHS advised critical infrastructure organizations to take necessary mitigation measures to minimize the likelihood and impact of Blackcat ransomware and data extortion incidents.

Moreover, they've urged healthcare organizations to implement cybersecurity safeguards to counteract prevalent tactics, techniques, and procedures commonly employed within the Healthcare and Public Health (HPH) sector.




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