Sony-Owned Insomniac Games Hit by Ransomware Attack
Insomniac Games, the studio behind Spider-Man 2 and the Ratchet & Clank series, has fallen victim to a cyberattack by the Rhysida hacker group. The hackers are demanding a ransom of 50 Bitcoin, equivalent to over $2 million. Sony, the owner of Insomniac Games, is actively investigating the breach and has stated that no other divisions have been affected.
Hackers Auction Confidential Data
The hackers have reportedly gained access to sensitive information such as U.S. passport scans, personal data from W9 tax forms, and game screenshots from Insomniac’s upcoming Wolverine game. This data is believed to belong to current or former employees who provided their social security numbers and addresses on these forms. The hackers have given Insomniac a week to respond to their demands but have already started auctioning the data, beginning at 50 BTC.
Past Attacks by Rhysida Group
Rhysida hackers have been previously involved in hacking the British Library and breaching a hospital in the U.K. Their latest target, Insomniac Games, adds to their list of high-profile cyberattacks.
Cybersecurity Risks in the Gaming Industry
This incident is not the first time a gaming company has faced cyberattacks resulting in leaks. In 2022, Rockstar Games experienced a similar breach with Grand Theft Auto 6’s development content being leaked. Sony itself has also been targeted by hackers this year, with RansomedVC compromising their computer systems and stealing data.
Impact of the Attack
The exact number of individuals affected by the Insomniac hack is currently unknown. However, a cybersecurity firm estimates that the Sony hack earlier this year may have impacted over 62 million people.
Insomniac Games Yet to Respond
Insomniac Games has not provided a comment on the incident when approached by Decrypt.
Hot Take: Ransomware Attacks Pose Growing Threat to Gaming Industry
The recent ransomware attack on Insomniac Games highlights the increasing threat faced by the gaming industry. As cybercriminals target major studios and developers, confidential data and intellectual property are at risk of being compromised. This incident serves as a reminder for companies in the gaming sector to prioritize robust cybersecurity measures and stay vigilant against evolving cyber threats.
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