Casio Ransomware Attack Exposes Personal Data of Employees, Partners, and Customers
Japanese electronics giant Casio has revealed that a ransomware attack in October 2024 compromised the personal data of approximately 8,500 individuals. The incident, which resulted in an IT systems outage, involved the Underground ransomware gang, who initially threatened to release confidential information unless a ransom was paid.
While Casio refused to negotiate with the cybercriminals, the attack ultimately exposed sensitive data belonging to employees, business partners, and a smaller number of customers. The company’s statement confirms that no customer credit card information was affected.
Details of the Casio Ransomware Attack Data Breach
The investigation into the Casio ransomware attack has concluded, revealing the extent of the data breach. The exposed information includes:
- Employees (6,456 individuals): Name, employee number, email address, affiliation, gender, date of birth, family details, address, phone number, taxpayer ID numbers, and HQ system account information.
- Business partners (1,931 individuals): Name, email address, phone number, company name, company address, and ID card information for some.
- Customers (91 individuals): Delivery address, name, phone number, date of purchase, and product name for items requiring delivery and installation.
- Other leaked data: Internal documents, such as invoices, contracts, and meeting materials.
Casio emphasized that no customer credit card data was compromised because the databases containing this information were not affected by the ransomware attack.
The company also clarified that it did not engage in negotiations with the Underground ransomware group.
“Following consultation with law enforcement agencies, outside counsel and security experts, Casio has not responded to any unreasonable demands from the ransomware group that carried out the unauthorized access,” the company explained.
The October 2024 Casio Ransomware Cyberattack and its Aftermath
The attack, which began on October 5th, 2024, involved phishing tactics used by the ransomware actors to gain access to Casio’s network. The Underground ransomware gang claimed responsibility on October 10th. While most Casio services have since been restored, some remain offline.
It’s crucial to note that this Casio ransomware attack is separate from a separate breach affecting the CASIO ID and ClassPad.net platforms that also occurred in October 2024. Casio is notifying affected individuals directly about the incident. Despite some employees receiving unsolicited emails potentially linked to the breach, Casio reports no secondary damage to employees, partners, or customers to date.
Casio’s Response and Ongoing Security Measures
Casio’s response to the incident highlights the importance of robust cybersecurity measures for all organizations. The company’s refusal to pay the ransom underscores a growing trend among businesses to resist the demands of ransomware attackers. The incident also underscores the need for ongoing vigilance and proactive security measures to protect against increasingly sophisticated cyber threats.
The Casio data breach serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of successful ransomware attacks and the importance of comprehensive data protection strategies. The company’s proactive communication with affected individuals demonstrates a commitment to transparency and accountability.
