Ride the Lightning

Meatpacker JBS Paid $11 Million After Ransomware Attack

June 15, 2021

Reuters reported on June 10 that meatpacker JBS USA paid a ransom equivalent to $11 million after the recent cyberattack that disrupted its North American and Australian operations.

“This was a very difficult decision to make for our company and for me personally,” said Andre Nogueira, CEO of JBS USA on the ransom payment. “However, we felt this decision had to be made to prevent any potential risk for our customers.”

Third parties are carrying out forensic investigations and no final determinations have been made, JBS said. It also said that preliminary probe results show no company, customer or employee data was compromised in the attack.

A Russia-linked hacking group is behind the cyberattack against JBS, a source familiar with the matter said last week. The Russia-linked cyber gang goes by the name REvil and Sodinokibi.

A JBS spokesperson said the ransom payment was made in bitcoin.

It had been widely speculated that JBS recovered so quickly because it had paid the ransom. Looks like the speculation may be partially correct.

Sharon D. Nelson, Esq., President, Sensei Enterprises, Inc.
3975 University Drive, Suite 225|Fairfax, VA 22030
Email:  Phone: 703-359-0700
Digital Forensics/Cybersecurity/Information Technology
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