Read Time:1 Minute, 31 Second
A clothing line brand operating online was held victim by a ransomware attack losing an estimated $10,000 worth of revenue.
Ransomware attacks have been rampant globally. Issues regarding this type of cyberattack have been making big news headlines. However, attackers need to learn the business size. They are also targeting small businesses like the Lonely Kids Club.
It is an online clothing brand owned and operated by Warwick Levy. The incident happened in 2021, making him lose his Instagram account and revenue. He used his Instagram account as his business medium to connect with his customers personally.
The attackers recognised him immediately as his face was uploaded on the business’ Instagram posts.
“I use them to communicate with my audience, but it’s a little different to a usual clothing brand in that I do a lot of content that’s just sort of myself talking, or my face is featured a lot, and it’s also a bit personal where I connect to the audience quite a lot,” he said.
His passion for creating a community using his social media account has paved the way for hackers to disguise themselves as the company’s avid consumers.
A new online profile engaged Warwick. He thought this was just another follower. After nine months, they requested assistance.
They requested that Warwick’s address be given in order to send them a verification code after claiming to have lost their phone. He obliged, unknowingly giving away the keys to his Instagram account — and with it, his business, his online identity, and his entire livelihood.
The attackers said they would return the account in exchange for a specific amount.
“It is a damaging form of cybercrime where criminals can gain access to a network,” Assistant Commissioner Chris Goldsmid, who runs Cybercrime Operations with the AFP, commented on the podcast.
Happy
0 %
Sad
0 %
Excited
0 %
Sleepy
0 %
Angry
0 %
Surprise
0 %
0
0
