India’s National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL) faces a serious threat as the notorious LockBit ransomware group has claimed responsibility for a cyberattack. Following the National Aerospace Laboratories cyberattack claim posted on the dark web, the hacker collective has issued a chilling ultimatum with a deadline of December 18, 2023, at 18:58:48 UTC, warning of data exposure if their demands remain unmet.
Surprisingly, unlike previous instances, LockBit has refrained from disclosing mitigation plans, which typically involve a ransom starting at $10,000 to extend the deadline by 24 hours.
Established in 1959 by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) in Delhi, the National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL) stands as India’s foremost aerospace research institution. Collaborating closely with HAL, DRDO, and ISRO, NAL holds the pivotal role of spearheading civilian aircraft development within the country. Its focus centers on pioneering research in advanced aerospace and associated fields.
National Aerospace Laboratories Cyberattack
As of now, the NAL’s official website appears to be functioning without any visible signs of a cyberattack. However, the LockBit ransomware group has escalated the stakes by posting eight allegedly pilfered documents, including confidential letters, an employee’s passport, and internal documents on their dark web portal.
Despite the apparent normalcy on NAL’s website, reports indicate a temporary outage affecting users worldwide. The cause of this outage remains uncertain, and The Cyber Express has reached out to NAL for clarification on the alleged cyberattack on NAL. At present, no official statement or response has been issued by NAL, leaving the claims of a National Aerospace Laboratories cyberattack unverified.
Cyberattack on National Aerospace Laboratories; LockBit’s Latest Victim
Apart from this NAL cyberattack, the LockBit ransomware has gained notoriety for its sophisticated and impactful variants, utilizing a Ransomware-as-a-Service model and bug bounty programs to enhance its malicious capabilities.
The group, previously known as the ABCD group, employs the double extortion strategy to exert pressure on victims, encrypting data and threatening to expose it online if the ransom is not paid.
In its third version, LockBit even incorporated Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks as an additional incentive for victims to comply with ransom demands.
Throughout the year, LockBit has claimed responsibility for various cyberattacks, targeting entities such as Shimano, MicroTrain Technologies, Boeing, and the Thai Meteorological Department. Notable victims of LockBit ransomware attacks include Accenture, the French Ministry of Justice, and Bangkok Airways.
The situation surrounding the alleged cyberattack on National Aerospace Laboratories continues to unfold, emphasizing the escalating threats posed by ransomware groups like LockBit.
The Cyber Express is closely monitoring the situation and will provide updates once we have more information or official confirmation about this cyberattack on National Aerospace Laboratories.
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.
