Buckeye Packaging allegedly targeted by avoslocker ransomware group

• Ransomware group: avoslocker
• Country: United States
• Sector: Manufacturing
• Announcement date: February 11, 2023

Avoslocker claims data breach against Buckeye Packaging

The manufacturing company Buckeye Packaging has reportedly been targeted by the avoslocker ransomware group. According to an announcement made on the group's leak site, the threat actors claim to have successfully breached the organization's network. This incident follows a common pattern in modern cyberattacks known as double extortion, where attackers not only encrypt an organization's systems but also steal sensitive data to use as leverage for ransom demands.

The announcement was posted on February 11, 2023, and the group claims the attack occurred on the same day. At this time, information regarding the specific identity and operational history of the avoslocker group remains limited. Ransomware leak sites are frequently used by these groups to pressure victims by publicly listing their names and the volume of stolen data, often accompanied by countdown timers or threats to release information on broader platforms if demands are not met.

Details of the alleged attack and data theft

The avoslocker group has cited vulnerabilities in the company's network security as the primary reason for the alleged breach. The group claims to have exfiltrated a significant amount of information, specifically citing a data size of 50 GB. While the group has threatened to release this data, the full scope and exact nature of the contents cannot be confirmed at this time because no screenshots or samples have been provided by the attackers.

The listing identifies the following types of information as being potentially affected:

• Customer data

Because the group has not provided visual evidence or specific file lists, it is impossible to verify the integrity or the exact contents of the alleged 50 GB of stolen information. In many such cases, the lack of immediate evidence makes it difficult for organizations to determine the exact impact of the breach during the initial stages of an incident response.

About Buckeye Packaging

Buckeye Packaging is a manufacturing company based in Ohio, USA. The organization provides high-quality custom packaging solutions across various substrates. As a player in the manufacturing sector, the company serves a variety of clients requiring specialized packaging for different industrial and commercial applications.

Potential risks and industry implications

The alleged data breach poses several secondary risks to Buckeye Packaging and its clients. The exposure of customer information can lead to serious consequences, including identity theft and the execution of targeted phishing attacks against the individuals or businesses involved. Such attacks often leverage stolen details to gain further access to corporate networks or to conduct financial fraud.

Furthermore, for a company operating within the manufacturing sector, the potential exposure of trade secrets or sensitive supply chain information remains a significant concern. The loss of such intellectual property can undermine competitive advantages and disrupt complex business relationships. Additionally, the alleged loss of data could lead to legal proceedings under relevant data protection regulations, as organizations are often held accountable for the security of the personal information they process.

Given the methods typically employed by ransomware groups, there is a possibility that the leaked data may be shared on broader platforms or that ransom demands may persist. To mitigate such risks, organizations in the manufacturing sector often implement defensive measures such as network segmentation, multi-factor authentication, and rigorous patch management to address the types of vulnerabilities that ransomware groups exploit to gain entry.