LUCKNOW (CoinChapter.com) — The ransomware gang Rhysida recently targeted popular video game developer Insomniac Games, claiming a successful breach of the company’s systems and obtaining sensitive data. They now threaten to leak this data publicly within one week unless their demands are met. Insomniac, known for the acclaimed Spider-Man series and the upcoming Marvel’s Wolverine game, is dealing with this cyberattack.
Breach Extends to Emails and Confidential Agreements
As evidence that they have hacked Insomniac’s network, Rhysida posted several files on their leak site, including character artwork from the unreleased Wolverine title currently in development. This stolen material provides the first glimpse into the new game.
Additionally, the hackers leaked employee passport scans, suggesting a deeper level of access into Insomniac’s human resources systems and control over sensitive personal data. One exposed passport seems to belong to an ex-employee who now works for Disney. Another passport possibly belongs to renowned voice actor Yuri Lowenthal, who plays the titular Spider-Man role in the games.
Other proof-of-hack documents display Insomniac emails and signed confidential agreements. It indicates that Rhysida likely stole troves of internal communications and legal paperwork during their criminal breach.
50 Bitcoins demanded for Silence
The brazen ransomware group hitting Insomniac is demanding 50 bitcoins, equivalent to over $2 million, in return for not publishing the full trove of stolen Insomniac data.
They are auctioning off the exclusive hack for seven days. After that, the highest bidder will gain sole ownership of all the sensitive files and materials obtained from the attack.
“With just seven days on the clock, seize the opportunity to bid on exclusive, unique, and impressive data. Open your wallets and be ready to buy exclusive data. We sell only to one hand, no reselling. You will be the only owner!” Rhysida said on its leak site.
Parent company Sony, who owns Insomniac, acknowledged an investigation into the cyber security incident.
“We are aware of reports that Insomniac Games has been the victim of a cyber security attack. We are currently investigating this situation and have no reason to believe that any other SIE or Sony divisions have been impacted.” a Sony spokesperson said.
Rhysida’s Trail of Chaos
The ransomware gang behind the Insomniac Games attack calls itself Rhysida. This cybercrime group emerged this past May yet has quickly unleashed chaos across numerous industries. According to the United States Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), Rhysida pursues indiscriminate targets ranging from healthcare networks to government databases, infecting vulnerable systems purely out of opportunism and greed.
So far, Rhysida has amassed nearly 50 unfortunate victims in its growing trail of digital destruction. Most recently, the hackers crippled IT systems for the entire nation of Chile, along with medical facilities belonging to California’s Prospect Medical Group.
Rhysida also maintains suspected ties with the notorious Vice Society, a cyber gang complicit in ransomware invasions of academic institutions across the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
