Custom Paper listed on play ransomware leak site

• Ransomware group: play
• Country: Canada
• Sector: Manufacturing
• Announcement date: May 1, 2025

The Canada-based manufacturing company Custom Paper has been listed on the leak site of the play ransomware group. The threat actor group claims to have compromised the data of the organization and has initiated a countdown process for the public release of the alleged information.

Details of the claim

The play ransomware group has officially added Custom Paper to its dedicated leak site. According to the announcement made on May 1, 2025, the group claims to have successfully compromised the organization's data. The group has also initiated a countdown, a common tactic used by ransomware operators to pressure victims into meeting ransom demands before the stolen information is released to the public.

Ransomware leak sites serve as a platform for cybercriminals to host stolen data, using the threat of exposure as leverage. This method is a central component of modern cyber extortion, where the goal is not just to encrypt local files but to threaten the release of sensitive information to damage the victim's reputation or force compliance.

Data involved in the incident

Regarding the specific nature of the information allegedly stolen from Custom Paper, no information has been provided by the threat actor group. The listing does not specify the types of files, the volume of data, or the specific categories of information that have been targeted during the attack.

Potential risks and implications

This incident may involve the risk of data exfiltration or encryption for the organization. Given the group's known use of double-extortion tactics, the publication of data could lead to significant reputational damage and create secondary cyberattack risks for the organization. In double-extortion scenarios, attackers first steal sensitive data and then encrypt the systems, using the threat of leaking the stolen data to increase their leverage.

Furthermore, the publication of data could lead to emerging risks such as identity theft or phishing attacks targeting the organization's employees and customers. Because the play group has been active since 2022 and operates in a relatively closed manner, the technical complexity of the attack could be significant.

Organization profile

Custom Paper is a Canada-based manufacturing company that provides custom paper products and printing solutions. The company specializes in the design and production of various paper-based items.

Analysis and industry context

The potential consequences of this breach extend beyond immediate operational disruptions. Given that the organization is located in Canada, a potential data breach could trigger legal obligations under PIPEDA regulations. Such regulatory frameworks are designed to ensure that organizations handle personal information with care and report breaches to the appropriate authorities.

For organizations operating in the manufacturing sector, these types of incidents highlight the critical importance of robust cybersecurity frameworks. To mitigate the risks of data exfiltration and encryption, companies often implement defensive measures such as multi-factor authentication, regular offline backups, and continuous monitoring of network traffic to detect anomalous behavior. Strengthening incident response plans and ensuring compliance with regional data protection laws are also essential steps for managing the fallout of a potential cyberattack.