Medusa Gang’s Ransomware Attack on Auckland Transport’s Hop Card System

Medusa Gang’s Ransomware Attack on Auckland Transport’s Hop Card System

Medusa Gang’s Ransom Demand

Renowned cybercriminal group, Medusa gang, has announced its responsibility for a ransomware attack targeted at the Hop card system of Auckland Transport. The group has demanded a ransom of $1 million to avert the release or sale of the alleged stolen data. The currency of the demanded ransom, whether US or New Zealand dollars, was not specified in the group’s notice. Responding to the demand, Auckland Transport has categorically stated that it will not succumb to the ransom demand.

Auckland Transport’s Stand

Auckland Transport suspects that the threat to release customers’ stolen data may be a bluff. Dean Kimpton, the CEO of Auckland Transport, acknowledged awareness of the ransom demand but expressed the company’s disinterest in engaging in such an illegal and malicious activity. The Hop card system allows users the convenience of storing their credit card information in the app for easy topping up of their cards. Despite the ransomware attack, Kimpton has reassured customers that they believe no personal or financial information has been compromised at this stage.

Expert Opinions

Despite the company’s stance, Brett Callow, a threat analyst at the cybersecurity firm Emsisoft, disagreed with the idea that the hackers’ threat might be empty. He suggested that time is money for ransomware gangs, and bluffing would be a waste of resources.

Steps Taken by Auckland Transport

In response to the attack, Auckland Transport has teamed up with expert partners to reduce any future risk to its systems and customers’ data. Five days after the hack, the company began restoring its systems. Kimpton advised customers to keep using their cards as usual, reassuring them that staff and operators are available across the public transport network to assist as systems come back online.