Quote:A ransomware group believed to be the latest incarnation of the infamous DarkSide cybergang is being blamed for taking out a farmers’ cooperative online network, with extortionists demanding $5.9 million in ransom.
The group BlackMatter is credited for the attack on an Iowa collective of farmers called NEW Cooperative. The incident occurred over the weekend, locking up computer systems. Threat actors behind the attack are demanding a $5.9 million ransom to provide a decryptor, which will increase to $11.9 million if not paid in five days, according to reports.
The Iowa-based organization is a feed and grain cooperative, with 50 locations. It provides a variety of digital and software services to its network of farmers. As a result of the attack, it had to shut down its operations and also faces the threat of BlackMatter leaking stolen data if it does not pay the ransom, according to reports. This method of double extortion is now common and a hallmark of the former DarkSide group, whose members are believed to now be running the show at BlackMatter.
New Cooperative took its systems offline as a mitigation tactic, a representative told BleepingComputer, according to a published report.
Read more: BlackMatter Strikes Iowa Farmers Cooperative, Demands $5.9M Ransom | Threatpost
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