Recent Cyber Security Breaches: Montcler, RR Donnelly, and More

Monica Morris • February 3, 2022

As a managed IT service provider it is important to us to make sure to stay in know about the latest cyber security breaches. Every few weeks we like to share our findings with you here on our blog. Please take a peek below to learn more about some of the most recent cyber security attacks here and around the world.

City of Tenino, Washington (United States)

Municipality

The Hack: Phishing/BEC

Quick Summary: “The City of Tenino, Washington is down $280,309 in public funds according to the Washington State Auditor’s Office after a city employee fell for a phishing message that launched a business email compromise scam. Reports say that former Clerk Treasurer John Millard fell victim to a phishing message and paid cybercriminals a boatload of money, some without city council approval. The official reportedly initiated 20 automated clearing house payments from the city’s bank account to multiple out-of-state bank accounts. News outlets are also reporting that a warning was sent out to clerks about the phishing scam immediately but that didn’t stop this disaster from happening.” -ID Agent

The International Red Cross (Switzerland)

Humanitarian Aid Organization

The Hack: Third Party/Supply Chain

Quick Summary: “The International Committee of the Red Cross has revealed that hackers have stolen data from a Swiss contractor that stores it for them. The stolen data includes information about over 515,000 highly vulnerable people that it has served, recipients of aid and services from at least 60 affiliates of the organization worldwide. The Red Cross says it typically reunites 12 missing people with their families every day through that program. As a result of this cyberattack, The International Red Cross has been forced to temporarily halt a program that reunites families torn apart by violence, migration or other tragedies. A spokesperson for the ICRC told news outlets that there have been no demands from the hackers in exchange for stolen data and that they were working with specialized firms to recover.” -ID Agent

RR Donnelly (United States)

Marketing & Communications Firm

The Hack: Ransomware

Quick Summary: “Major marketing company RR Donnelly has disclosed that they had data stolen in a December cyberattack attributed to ransomware. The Conti ransomware group is suspected to be to blame. In the attack on December 27, 2021, the company experienced a systems intrusion that led it to shut down its network to prevent the attack’s spread. That led to disruptions for customers, with some unable to receive printed documents required for vendor payments, disbursement checks and motor vehicle documentation. The Conti ransomware gang claimed responsibility on January 15 and began leaking 2.5GB of the stolen data that has since been removed.” -ID Agent

Montcler (Italy)

Luxury Fashion & Outerwear

The Hack: Ransomware

Quick Summary: “Luxury retailer Montcler has disclosed that it suffered a data breach in December 2021 after data began appearing on a cybercriminal leak site. The company confirmed that some data related to its employees, former employees, suppliers, consultants, business partners, and customers was stolen and subsequently leaked after they refused to pay the demanded $3 million ransom. The AlphaV (BlackCat) ransomware operation has claimed responsibility. The stolen data is said to include earning statements, spreadsheets with what appears to be customer information, invoices and other documents, but no specifics were provided.” -ID Agent

Strategic Benefits Advisors, Inc (United States)

Human Resources Consulting Firm

The Hack: Hacking

Quick Summary: “In a recent legal filing, Strategic Benefits Advisors disclosed that an unauthorized third party had gained access to its data and may have removed several files containing consumer information. The Georgia-based company provides full-service employee benefits consulting for companies in many industries.” -ID Agent

Bank Indonesia (Indonesia)

Financial Institution

The Hack: Ransomware

Quick Summary: “Bank Indonesia (BI), the central bank of the Republic of Indonesia, confirmed that a ransomware attack hit its networks last month. In a statement, BI said that their operational activities were not disrupted. CNN reported that the hackers made off with non-critical data belonging to Bank Indonesia employees before deploying ransomware payloads on over a dozen systems on the bank’s network. Conti has claimed responsibility. It claims to have 13.88 GB worth of documents and leaked a sample of files allegedly stolen from Bank Indonesia’s network as proof.” -ID Agent

To learn more about how to keep your company safe and secure from cyber security attacks, click here to explore our San Diego IT Services & IT Security plans that are offered by SDTEK.

February 5, 2025
Protecting sensitive data is more critical than ever before. As cyber threats continue to rise, governments and regulatory bodies have introduced compliance frameworks to ensure businesses take appropriate measures to safeguard data. However, understanding these requirements can be overwhelming, especially since they vary by industry and location. We'll discuss some of the most common IT security compliance frameworks—such as HIPAA, CMMC, and CCPA—and explain their relevance to different industries. Whether you work in healthcare, manufacturing, or serving California residents, this guide will help you navigate the complex world of IT security compliance.
October 23, 2024
In today’s interconnected digital landscape, cybersecurity is more than just a necessity—it's essential to business survival. Cyberattacks are becoming more frequent and evolving in sophistication, leaving companies vulnerable to data breaches, financial losses, and reputational damage. A robust cybersecurity strategy is critical to safeguarding your business from these growing threats. One of the most effective ways to enhance your cybersecurity defenses is by leveraging the expertise of professional IT support services. The Importance of a Strong Cybersecurity Strategy Every business, regardless of size or industry, is a potential target for cybercriminals. The consequences of a successful cyberattack can be devastating, ranging from financial losses and operational downtime to legal liabilities and damage to your brand's reputation. This is why developing and maintaining a robust cybersecurity strategy is more important than ever. A strong cybersecurity strategy helps your business: Protect sensitive data: Safeguarding customer information, intellectual property, and financial records. Ensure compliance: Meet regulatory requirements, such as CMMC, HIPAA, and SOC2, to avoid fines and legal repercussions. Maintain business continuity: Minimizing disruptions caused by cyberattacks and ensuring quick recovery when incidents occur. Build customer trust: Demonstrating to customers and partners that their data is secure, which can lead to stronger relationships and business growth. While some businesses attempt to handle cybersecurity internally, IT support services offer a more comprehensive, proactive, and scalable approach to protecting your business. Cybersecurity Services Provided by IT Support Teams IT support services can significantly enhance your cybersecurity strategy by offering a wide range of specialized services. Here’s how they contribute to protecting your business: 1. Risk Assessments and Vulnerability Audits One of the first steps in strengthening your cybersecurity strategy is understanding where your business is most vulnerable. IT support teams conduct risk assessments and vulnerability audits to identify potential weaknesses in your network, applications, and infrastructure. These assessments provide a clear picture of your business's risks, enabling you to take targeted action to mitigate those risks. 2. Implementation of Security Protocols Once vulnerabilities are identified, IT support services implement security protocols tailored to your business’s needs. This may include: Firewalls and Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS): Establishing barriers that prevent unauthorized access to your network. Data Encryption: Ensuring that sensitive data is encrypted in transit and at rest, protecting it from cybercriminals. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Adding extra authentication layers ensures that only authorized personnel can access critical systems and data. Endpoint Protection: Securing all devices (laptops, desktops, mobile phones) connected to your network from malware and other threats. Applying these and other security measures can help IT support services fortify your defenses against internal and external threats. 3. Ongoing Monitoring and Threat Detection Cyberattacks can happen at any time and often occur when businesses are least prepared. IT support services provide 24/7 monitoring to detect suspicious activity in real-time. Through advanced monitoring tools and threat intelligence, IT teams can quickly identify and respond to potential threats before they escalate into full-scale attacks. This proactive approach to monitoring reduces downtime, prevents data breaches, and minimizes the impact of cyber incidents. IT support teams can continuously update and patch systems to address emerging vulnerabilities, ensuring your cybersecurity defenses remain current. 4. Incident Response and Remediation Even with robust security measures, no system is entirely immune to cyberattacks. When an incident occurs, the speed and efficiency of the response are critical in minimizing damage. IT support teams are equipped with incident response protocols to quickly isolate affected systems, investigate the root cause, and restore normal operations. With a well-coordinated incident response plan, businesses can significantly reduce downtime, prevent further data loss, and recover quickly from attacks. 5. Security Awareness Training for Employees Employees are often the weakest link in cybersecurity, with many attacks originating from phishing schemes, weak passwords, or social engineering. IT support services provide security awareness training to educate your staff about the latest cyber threats and best practices for staying safe online. Training employees on recognizing phishing attempts, using strong passwords, and securely handling sensitive data can dramatically reduce the likelihood of human error leading to a security breach. 6. Compliance Support For businesses in regulated industries, staying compliant with data protection regulations is not optional—it’s mandatory. IT support teams can help ensure your business meets all necessary compliance requirements, such as CMMC, HIPAA, or SOC2. This includes maintaining audit trails, ensuring data encryption, and implementing security controls to protect sensitive information. By working with IT support services, businesses can avoid costly penalties and demonstrate their commitment to protecting customer data. Conclusion A strong cybersecurity strategy is vital to any business's success in today’s digital world. By partnering with an IT support service, businesses can enhance their cybersecurity defenses through risk assessments, security protocol implementation, continuous monitoring, and employee training. These services protect data and help ensure business continuity and compliance with industry regulations. If your business wants to strengthen its cybersecurity posture, now is the time to consider working with an IT support provider. Doing so lets you stay ahead of evolving cyber threats and focus on growing your business with peace of mind. Ready To Strengthen Your Cybersecurity With SDTEK? Don't leave your business vulnerable to cyber threats. At SDTEK, we offer comprehensive IT support and managed cybersecurity services designed to protect your business and ensure seamless operations. Whether you need risk assessments, ongoing monitoring, or incident response, our team of experts is here to help. Contact SDTEK today for a free consultation and discover how we can enhance your cybersecurity strategy and safeguard your business. Protect your data, reputation, and future—partner with SDTEK now!
Share by: