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Ransomware Group Ransomed.vc Threatens to Sell Stolen Data from Sony Group
A ransomware group called Ransomed.vc has recently claimed to have successfully breached Sony Group and is now threatening to sell the stolen data. While the authenticity of these claims remains unverified, Cyber Security Connect has reported that this relatively new ransomware group has already targeted an impressive number of victims since its emergence last month.
The group made its bold statement on both the clear and dark nets, stating, ‘We have successfully compromised all of Sony systems. We won’t ransom them! We will sell the data. Due to Sony not wanting to pay. DATA IS FOR SALE.’
According to Cyber Security Connect, Ransomed.vc has posted some proof-of-hack data, although the information provided is not particularly compelling at first glance. The posted data includes screenshots of an internal login page, an internal PowerPoint presentation, several Java files, and a file tree of the leak, which appears to contain fewer than 6,000 files. The group has set a ‘post date’ of September 28, after which, if no one purchases the data, they will presumably release it to the public.
Ransomed.vc: A Ransomware Operator and Ransomware-as-a-Service Organization
Ransomed.vc claims to be both a ransomware operator and a ransomware-as-a-service organization. They market themselves as a ‘secure solution for addressing data security vulnerabilities within companies’ and assert that they operate in strict compliance with GDPR and Data Privacy Laws. The group also warns that if payment is not received, they are obligated to report a Data Privacy Law violation to the GDPR agency.
Most of Ransomed.vc members are reportedly based in Ukraine and Russia. It is worth noting that Sony has faced a significant breach before in 2011, when their PlayStation Network was compromised, resulting in the personal details of approximately 77 million accounts being exposed. The service was offline for 23 days, and Sony estimated the hack would cost them over $100 million. They had to issue apologies to players and developers whose game launches and online services were disrupted. Sony also faced numerous class action lawsuits and offered compensation to those affected, including free games.
Sony’s Commitment to Players and Third-Party Publishing Partners
During the aftermath of the 2011 breach, Jack Tretton, the US boss of PlayStation, expressed his gratitude to the players, stating, ‘You are the lifeblood of the company. Without you, there is no PlayStation. I want to apologize personally. It’s you that causes us to be humbled and amazed by the support you continue to give.’ He also acknowledged the impact on third-party publishing partners, assuring them of Sony’s commitment to ensuring the PlayStation experience is entertaining and secure for everyone.
Disclaimer:
AI was used to conduct research and help write parts of the article. We primarily use the Gemini model developed by Google AI. While AI-assisted in creating this content, it was reviewed and edited by a human editor to ensure accuracy, clarity, and adherence to Google's webmaster guidelines.
