Security News > 2022 > January > Red Cross Begs Attackers Not to Leak Stolen Data for 515K People

The Red Cross is imploring threat actors to show mercy by abstaining from leaking data belonging to 515,000+ "Highly vulnerable" people that were stolen from a program used to reunite family members split apart by war, disaster or migration.

The attack forced the ICRC, along with the wider Red Cross and Red Crescent network, to shut down the systems underpinning the Restoring Family Links site.

The compromised data, which originated from at least 60 Red Cross and Red Crescent National Societies around the world, included personal data and confidential information for those who've used the Restoring Family Links site.

Red Cross spokesperson Elizabeth Shaw told CNN that the top priority is to work with ICRC delegations and Red Cross and Red Crescent societies on the ground "To find ways to inform individuals and families whose data may have been compromised, what measures are being taken to protect their data and the risks they may possibly face."

The threat actors involved in the cyber attack on the Red Cross "Went straight for the jugular," he noted, going after the organization's most sensitive data and seeking to create as much leverage as possible against the Red Cross.

"If the attackers do not return the data, then hopefully, the Red Cross receives the aid and support it needs to find and secure the information quickly, start delivering much-needed reassurance to those who rely on the organization, and get its 'Restoring Family Links' program back up and running soon."

News URL

https://threatpost.com/red-cross-begs-attackers-not-to-leak-515k-peoples-stolen-data/177799/