The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) finds itself embroiled in a cyber incident after the 8Base ransomware gang claims to have breached its systems and stolen data. Established by Congress 80 years ago, the ASMFC oversees fisheries management along the Atlantic coast, but now faces disruption with its email system offline. In response, the organization has established temporary communication measures, including a new email address and phone number for stakeholders to reach out.
Tina Berger, ASMFC’s director of communications, confirms that they are actively addressing the cyber incident but remains tight-lipped about whether it involves a ransomware attack. However, the situation escalates as the 8Base ransomware gang lists the ASMFC on its leak site, demanding an undisclosed ransom within four days. The group claims to have accessed sensitive documents such as invoices, personal data, and contracts, adding urgency to the ASMFC’s response efforts.
The ASMFC’s crucial role in coordinating fisheries conservation and management efforts underscores the severity of the cyber incident, with potential ramifications for marine ecosystems and regulatory initiatives. This incident echoes previous ransomware attacks targeting U.S. government commissions, highlighting the persistent threat posed by cybercriminals to critical infrastructure and regulatory bodies. As the ASMFC grapples with the fallout from the breach, stakeholders await further updates on the extent of the data breach and the organization’s efforts to mitigate the damage and enhance its cybersecurity posture.
