YKK Group, the world’s largest zipper manufacturer, has been targeted by the notorious LockBit gang, who posted about the potential breach on their dark web blog.
The post, made on June 2nd, does not disclose the specific data that may have been exposed or which YKK Group-affiliated businesses could be affected. However, the cybercriminals have announced their intention to publish the data in two weeks’ time if their ransom demands are not met.
Furthermore, YKK Group, a Japanese manufacturing conglomerate known for zippers as well as industrial machinery and hardware, oversees more than 100 companies worldwide, employs over 44,000 people, and recorded a revenue exceeding $6 billion last year.
Additionally, LockBit, considered one of the leading ransomware gangs, has targeted over 1,700 organizations, accumulating an estimated $75 million in ransom payments. Connections have been established between LockBit and other Russia-affiliated ransomware cartels like Conti, Black Basta, DarkSide, BlackMatter, and BlackCat/ALPHV.
At the same time, the leader of LockBit, known as LockBitSupp, is believed to employ tactics to evade detection, including the use of SpaceX’s Starlink internet connection. Efforts to seek a comment from YKK Group have not yielded a response as of yet.
With the impending threat of data publication, organizations are reminded of the critical importance of bolstering their cybersecurity defenses against sophisticated cyberattacks.
