Hackers start leaking New Orleans sheriff ransomware data
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The Qilin ransomware gang is officially selling data stolen during an attack earlier this month on New Orleans' sheriff's office, according to a dark web listing seen by Axios.
Why it matters: Hackers typically dump the data they steal online if a victim doesn't pay the ransom — putting confidential business and citizen information at risk.
Threat level: Compared to other ransomware attacks, the data that Qilin is touting from the Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office isn't that detrimental.
- Screenshots suggest the hackers stole confidentiality agreements signed by contractors, public police reports, private bank statements and a letter about an ongoing financial audit.
- The sheriff's office did not respond to a request for comment prior to publication.
Yes, but: The hackers are claiming they stole 842 gigabytes of information, and it's unclear what else is in the stolen trove.
Catch up quick: The sheriff's office has been responding to a ransomware attack on its networks since Sept. 4, knocking the city's online court docket system offline for days.
- Hackers also disrupted systems that handle bond transactions, jail releases and communications with law enforcement partners.
Thought bubble from Axios New Orleans' Carlie Wells: This the latest black eye for Sheriff Susan Hutson, who is up for re-election this fall and behind in the polls.
- She's been under intense scrutiny since 10 inmates escaped from the jail she oversees. One is still on the run more than three months later.
The big picture: Qilin is a popular ransomware-as-a-service group that leases out its file-encrypting, data-stealing malware to freelance hackers who carry out their own attacks.
- The gang is known for targeting high-value victims, including several state and local government entities.
Go deeper: How a ransomware attack works
