Robert Ambrogi Blog
The spate of ransomware attacks against law firms continues, with at least two more firms hit this week and another firm, which I reported last week, now being asked to pay ransom of a sky-high $42 million or else have its celebrity clients’ privileged files released online.
I’d reported here last week of the ransomware attack against a New York City law firm that represents superstar musicians such as Lady Gaga, Elton John and Madonna. Although I did not then name the firm, Grubman Shire Meiselas & Sacks, has since confirmed the attack and said a vast trove of information on its clients was stolen.
Now, Page Six is reporting that the attackers are demanding that the firm pay ransom of $42 million — double their original demand of $21 million — and saying they will reveal “dirty laundry” on President Donald Trump if the ransom is not paid.
The connection between Trump and the firm is not clear. The Page Six report says that Trump has never been a client of the firm.
The report also says that firm principal Allen Grubman, who it describes as the most prominent entertainment attorney in the world, is refusing to pay the ransom or negotiate with the attackers.
“Despite our substantial investment in state-of-the-art technology security, foreign cyberterrorists have hacked into our network and are demanding $42 million as ransom,” the firm said in a statement to Page Six. “We are working directly with federal law enforcement and continue to work around the clock with the world’s leading experts to address this situation.”
Meanwhile, ransomware attackers claimed this week to have stolen data from at least two other law firms — Florida firm Clark Partington and Louisiana firm Fraser, Wheeler & Courtney.