13 October 2021

Japanese tech giant Olympus suffers second cyberattack in two months


Japanese tech giant Olympus suffers second cyberattack in two months

Japanese technology giant Olympus has disclosed a cyberattack that took place over the weekend and forced it to shut down its IT systems in the U.S., Canada and Latin America.

“Olympus is currently investigating a potential cybersecurity incident detected October 10, 2021 that is affecting its Americas (U.S., Canada and Latin America) IT systems. Upon detection of suspicious activity, we immediately mobilized a specialized response team including forensics experts, and we are currently working with the highest priority to resolve this issue. As part of the investigation and containment, we have suspended affected systems and have informed the relevant external partners. The current results of our investigation indicate the incident was contained to the Americas with no known impact to other regions,” the manufacturer said in a press release on its website without revealing any additional details on the cyberattack.

The cyberattack came just a month after the company suffered a malware attack that impacted parts of its sales and manufacturing networks in EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa). At the time, the company did not disclose the information on the nature of the incident or who was responsible, but news media reported that Olympus was recovering from a BlackMatter ransomware attack.

BlackMatter is one of the most prolific ransomware-as-a-service groups believed to be the successors to the DarkSide ransomware group. Just last month, BlackMatter hit the Iowa-based farmer's feed and grain cooperative New Cooperative group and demanded a $5.9 million ransom.


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