Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA), a London based Architects syndicate recognized internationally all over the world is reported to have become a victim of a ransomware attack last week. And the highlight in this whole cyber incident is that hackers who infiltrated the database of the Architectural services rendering firm have started to threaten the firm that they will dump all the encrypted data onto the dark web if their demanded ransom gets rejected.
ZHA which was founded by world-renowned architect Zaha Hadid first reported the incident to the law enforcement authorities on April 21st,2020, and has clarified that it is not going to pay any ransom in exchange for a decryption key.
Cybersecurity Insiders has learned that a hackers group named “Light” is behind the incident as they first stole the data from the company’s network and then later locked down the files with malware.
Architect’s Journal reported that the stolen information includes financial documents, employee details, life insurance data, employee contracts, email inbox dumps, and more.
However, the IT staff of Zaha Hadid Architects firm argues that all their sensitive data was backed up and they are still unsure of what exactly was stolen from the database.
Note 1- From the past few months, hackers spreading ransomware are seen indulging in first stealing the data from the database and then encrypting it until a ransom is paid. This is to ensure a pay-guaranty if in case the victim fails to pay, the hacker can earn by selling the stolen data on the dark web.
Note 2- Zaha Hadid Architects is known to offer architectural designs to world’s renowned buildings such as Vitra Fire Station in Germany, Bergisel Ski Jump in Austria, BMW administration building in Germany, Bridge Pavilion in Spain, MAXXI Entrance & Interior in Italy, Sheikh Zayed Bridge in Abu Dhabi, The Guangzhou Opera House in China, London Olympics Aquatics Center, Broad Art Museum in Michigan of United States, Glaxo Soho in China and Port Authority in Belgium to name a few.
