Digital Forensics Dispatch

Nuclear Missile Contractor Suffers Cyber-Attack

June 23, 2020

Infosecurity Magazine recently reported on a ransomware attack suffered by Westech International, a US Department of Defense contractor that supports a number of different projects including US Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile systems.

Westech has reportedly hired an independent computer forensic firm to analyze their “systems for any compromise and to determine if any personal information is at risk.” The information initially released about the hack indicates that the particular ransomware variant used was MAZE. This ransomware variant is unusual in that it both encrypts the data on the affected systems and steals copies of unencrypted data. In most cases, the stolen data is then used to blackmail the owner into paying the ransom before sensitive data is released online. The online data leak has already begun for Westech, with personal info like payroll and company email starting to show up on the web. MAZE has been in the news regularly lately as it has also been used in several other high-profile attacks including Pensacola Florida’s breach late last year.

Email:    Phone: 703.359.0700
Digital Forensics/Cybersecurity/Information Technology
https://senseient.com/services/digital-forensics