A pharmaceutical development company, Crinetics Pharmaceuticals, is investigating a cybersecurity incident following claims from the LockBit ransomware gang regarding data theft. The company detected suspicious activity in an employee’s account and promptly disabled it, initiating an investigation with third-party cybersecurity experts and law enforcement involvement. Despite the incident, Crinetics assured that its operations and databases remain unaffected and implemented additional security measures to contain the situation.
LockBit, a notorious ransomware gang, recently targeted Crinetics Pharmaceuticals, demanding a $4 million ransom with a deadline set for March 23. Despite the attack, Crinetics did not disclose whether they were indeed dealing with a ransomware incident. LockBit, whose infrastructure was disrupted by law enforcement agencies worldwide, has been attempting to revive its operation but faces challenges in recovering from the recent takedown.
LockBit’s alleged leader, LockBitSupp, expressed determination to continue launching attacks, aiming to target one million companies worldwide and secure a prominent place in history. While the FBI operation against LockBit was deemed successful, LockBitSupp remains resolute in rebuilding the gang’s prominence despite setbacks. Before the law enforcement intervention, LockBit was known as one of the most prolific ransomware gangs globally, targeting various sectors, including hospitals, governments, and businesses.