A new data dump allegedly from a cyber attack on McDonald’s in 2022 has been released on the dark web, according to threat researcher Dominic Alvieri. This marks the second incident of a cyber attack on the fast food chain, following a breach in June 2021. The attack last year was attributed to the Snatch ransomware group, who claimed to have stolen 500 gigabytes of data from the company.
The recent cyber attack on McDonald’s raises concerns about the vulnerability of food chains to data breaches. In 2021, hackers in South Korea and Taiwan accessed a small portion of McDonald’s customers’ data, including email addresses, delivery addresses, and phone numbers. While payment details were not compromised, this incident highlighted the need for improved security measures in the fast food industry.
Fast food chains and restaurants are attractive targets for hackers due to their striking vulnerability. Many establishments have outdated point-of-sale systems and Microsoft operating systems, which make them easy targets for hackers. Additionally, these systems are often interconnected with various devices and servers, making it challenging to detect and prevent cyber attacks. Furthermore, most restaurants lack the capability to identify a data breach on their own, allowing hackers to exploit their systems for months or even years without detection.
The Snatch ransomware group, responsible for the cyber attack on McDonald’s, has been active since 2018. This group, like other ransomware variants, exploits vulnerabilities in Windows systems to gain unauthorized access. They utilize Windows Safe Mode and privileged service, creating a malicious Windows service that persists even in Safe Mode, making it difficult for anti-malware tools to detect. Snatch ransomware also disables Windows Defender and removes Volume Shadow Copies and backups to further hide its presence from its victims.
McDonald’s is not the only fast food chain facing cyber threats within the industry. Recently, KFC, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, and the Habit Burger Grill, all owned by Yum Brands!, experienced a ransomware attack in the UK. Approximately 300 restaurants were affected, leading to temporary closures. However, Yum Brands! assured customers that no personal information was exposed in this attack.
It is crucial for fast food chains and restaurants to prioritize cybersecurity to avoid data breaches and protect customer information. Implementing up-to-date security measures, regularly patching systems, and investing in robust detection and response capabilities can help mitigate the risk of cyber attacks. Additionally, collaborating with cybersecurity experts and sharing threat intelligence can enhance the industry’s collective defense against cyber threats.
In conclusion, the cyber attack on McDonald’s in 2022 and the previous attack in 2021 highlight the need for heightened cybersecurity measures in the fast food industry. The Snatch ransomware group, known for targeting high profile companies, continues to pose a significant threat. It is crucial for fast food chains and restaurants to be proactive in their approach to cybersecurity to protect customer data and maintain their reputation.