Unreleased MacBook Schemes Stolen In $ 50 Million Ransomware Attack On Apple Vendor

While Apple held its “Spring Loaded” event, where it unveiled all-new iPad Pros, a redesigned iMac, and the highly anticipated release of AirTags, one of the major MacBook vendors suffered a $ 50 million ransomware attack.

As reported by Bloomberg, the ransomware group called REvil, publicly stated early on Tuesday that it had accessed the internal computers of Apple vendor Quanta Computer Inc, based in Taiwan. Due to the attack, REvil managed to obtain 15 images / schematics from unreleased MacBooks, including “specific component serial numbers, sizes and capacities detailing the many working parts” of a MacBook, per document and blog posts seen by Bloomberg.

While Quanta Computer, the vendor at the center of attacks, has partnered with HP, Facebook and other tech companies, the ransomware group is targeting Apple specifically. In its blog, the group demands that Apple pay an undisclosed ransom before May 1 for the images / schematics they obtained through the vendor.

REvil is now trying to upset Apple in its attempt to take advantage of the stolen data. They have asked Apple to pay their ransom by May 1, as first reported by Bleeping Computer. Until then, the hackers will continue to post new files every day, REvil said on its blog.

An Apple spokesman declined to comment. However, Quanta Computer acknowledged the attack and said it had no “material impact” on its business.

Quanta Computer’s information security team has worked with external IT experts in response to cyber attacks on a small number of Quanta servers, ”the company said in a statement. “We have reported to and communicated seamlessly with the relevant law enforcement and data protection authorities regarding recently observed abnormal activities. There is no material impact on the company’s operations.

In response to the trial, the vendor is strengthening its cybersecurity infrastructure. Ultimately, in a conversation with Quanta during the attack negotiations, REvil said it had stolen and encrypted “all local network data” and would not give it up until the $ 50 million ransom was paid.

Apple famously takes the secrecy of unreleased products extremely seriously, and it is still unknown how much confidential data the ransom group has obtained or whether Apple will pay the ransom.