Foxsemicon experienced a ransomware attack by the LockBit group, leading to a threat of releasing 5TB of data. The message on the hijacked website demanded a ransom, warning of making personal data available online. Although Foxsemicon recovered its website and collaborated with security experts, its English-language site remained inaccessible. The cyberattacks on Taiwan have escalated, speculated to be linked to the recent presidential election, with Chinese hackers suspected, as DDoS attacks targeting Taiwan surged by 3,370%.
The LockBit ransomware attack on Foxsemicon marked a departure from the group’s usual tactics of posting victims’ names on their extortion website. Despite the recovery efforts, the English-language site remained down, raising concerns about potential operational impacts. Foxsemicon refrained from disclosing details about the ransom demanded or confirming if any customer or employee data was leaked. As cyber threats against Taiwan intensify, experts note a political backdrop, with the recent presidential election and suspected involvement of Chinese hackers.
While LockBit was initially discovered in Russian-language cybercrime forums in 2020, indicating potential ties to Russia, the group is primarily financially motivated and lacks explicit government affiliations. The surge in cyberattacks on Taiwan aligns with heightened security concerns, leading government officials to seek support from the US Treasury Department. Despite suspicions of political motivations, the Foxsemicon attack seems financially driven, emphasizing the evolving cybersecurity landscape and the need for enhanced defenses against ransomware threats.
