Octapharma Plasma, the US branch of the Swiss pharmaceutical company Octapharma, has encountered a significant network issue, resulting in the closure of over 150 of its collection sites. Initially labeled as a network problem on their website, reports suggest it might be a ransomware attack by the BlackSuit gang, potentially disrupting their operations and leading to repercussions in Europe.
While the company’s banner on its website attributed the closures to network issues, insider sources claim it’s a BlackSuit ransomware attack targeting Octapharma Plasma’s VMware systems. The impact could be severe, potentially leading to factory closures in Europe, where a significant portion of their plasma supply originates from the US.
Despite the reported attack, BlackSuit has not yet acknowledged the incident on their darknet platform. However, given the recent occurrence, it might take some time before the gang publicizes the attack. Octapharma Plasma’s role in collecting plasma for therapeutic products, along with its significant contribution to its parent company’s operations, underscores the seriousness of the situation.
The plasma collection centers are not only vital for Octapharma’s business but also offer financial incentives to donors, making them a crucial aspect of the company’s operations. With ongoing investigations and uncertainties surrounding ransom demands or negotiations, the incident highlights the vulnerabilities faced by companies in the pharmaceutical industry amidst increasing cyber threats.
