Qilin gang strikes Big Issue with ransomware attack

TLDR:

• The Qilin ransomware gang claimed responsibility for attacking the IT systems of the Big Issue Group, stealing confidential data.
• The Big Issue Group is working with external IT experts, authorities, and law enforcement to investigate the incident.

A ransomware gang known as Qilin has claimed responsibility for breaching the IT systems of the UK-based publisher and social enterprise, the Big Issue Group. The gang stole 550GB of data, including personnel information, contracts, financial statements, and more. The CEO of the Big Issue Group confirmed the cyber security incident and stated that the organization is working to restore its systems with limited disruption. The group is collaborating with external IT experts, the National Cyber Security Centre, the National Crime Agency, and the Metropolitan Police to investigate the attack. Qilin, a lesser-known ransomware operation, has been active since 2022 and is known for a ransomware-as-a-service model using Rust and Golang programming languages. The attack on the Big Issue Group is part of a series of ransomware incidents claimed by Qilin. The Big Issue Group remains committed to its mission of supporting those facing homelessness and poverty despite the criminal act against them.