An infamous group of ransomware operators is pressuring Apple supplier Quanta Computer to pay $50 million to keep stolen MacBook designs under wraps, following a successful breach of its servers.
Earlier this week, news broke out that REvil, also known as Sodinokibi, had breached Quanta Computer and infected it with ransomware, but not before stealing proprietary hardware designs and specifications allegedly pertaining to Apple’s new MacBook line. It allegedly demanded $50 million in Monero to delete the stolen files and decrypt locked systems.
Until recently, it was unclear whether the claim was true, but Quanta now confirms that a cyber-intrusion has indeed occurred on its premises.
In a statement provided to Bloomberg, the company said, “Quanta Computer’s information security team has worked with external IT experts in response to cyber attacks on a small number of Quanta servers. We’ve reported to and kept seamless communications with the relevant law enforcement and data protection authorities concerning recent abnormal activities observed. There’s no material impact on the company’s business operation.”
The breach is now essentially confirmed, with REvil posting schematics for a new Apple laptop on its darknet ‘Happy Blog’ where it names and shames victims in a bid to obtain ransom. The images include 15 instances “detailing the guts of what appears to be a Macbook designed as recently as March 2021,” according to an analysis by Bloomberg.
With Apple unveiling its most recent MacBook line in November, the leak seems to include as-of-yet unseen designs and specifications. Since Apple’s colorful new iMac line is making a splash in the media, all eyes will be on this particular leak for clues pertaining to all-new MacBook designs.
The ransomware gang is now reportedly trying to coerce Apple to pay the ransom, or else the hackers will continue to post new files every day. Apple declined to comment on questions from the media about the alleged cyber intrusion at Quanta.