The Citizens Bank of West Virginia has reportedly fallen victim to a cyberattack orchestrated by the notorious LockBit ransomware group. The group has left its digital signature by posting a message on the breached platform, accusing the bank of prioritizing its financial interests over the privacy of its clients.
“Just another greedy company that puts their own money above clients privacy,” reads the message posted by the hacker group.
The hackers have boldly set a deadline for their demands, with December 9, 2023, looming as the day of reckoning.
No Details Regarding Citizens Bank of West Virginia Cyberattack
However, no other details related to the Citizens Bank of West Virginia cyberattack regarding the extent of the cyberattack, the motive behind it, and the potential compromise of sensitive data have been disclosed.
The Cyber Express Team has reached out to bank officials for verification of the claim of the Citizens Bank of West Virginia cyberattack. However, as of now, the response from the bank is still awaited, leaving the situation shrouded in uncertainty.
Adding a layer of intrigue to the unfolding saga is the discovery that Citizens Bank’s official website remains fully accessible. This anomaly raises questions about the authenticity of LockBit’s claims and introduces an element of doubt into the narrative. Only when the bank issues an official statement on the Citizens Bank of West Virginia cyberattack can a conclusive assessment be made.
Financial Sector, A Prime Target for Cybercriminals
Before this in November 2023, the ransomware group set its sights on MicroTrain Technologies, exposing sensitive documents such as enrollment forms, business transactions, and comparison charts. The motive behind these attacks remains unclear, and the claims are yet to be verified.
The financial sector, in particular, has become a prime target for cybercriminals, with a surge in reported data breaches.
According to the statistics, financial institutions worldwide, including those in the U.S., Argentina, Brazil, and China, have experienced 566 breaches as of December 2022, resulting in over 254 million leaked records.
The prevalence of ransomware attacks on financial services has escalated from 55% in 2022 to a staggering 64% in 2023, nearly doubling the figures reported in 2021.
As the deadline set by LockBit approaches, the cybersecurity landscape for Citizens Bank remains uncertain. The incident serves as a reminder of the growing threat posed by cybercriminals, especially to institutions responsible for safeguarding sensitive financial information.
The repercussions of such breaches extend beyond financial losses, impacting the trust and privacy of countless individuals.
Media Disclaimer: This report is based on internal and external research obtained through various means. The information provided is for reference purposes only, and users bear full responsibility for their reliance on it. The Cyber Express assumes no liability for the accuracy or consequences of using this information.
