CD Projekt Red Hit with 'HelloKitty' Ransomware Attack—Threatens to Leak 'Cyberpunk,' 'The Witcher 3' Data

CD Projekt Red is at a crossroads in attempting to contact the malicious entities that claim to leak the source code of games including "Cyberpunk 2077" and "The Witcher 3," along with confidential files in the company. The ransomware was identified or suspected to be called "HelloKitty" and is mostly targetting massive companies with its past cases.

The popular Polish game developer and publisher, CD Projekt Red, is threatened to adhere to ransom as attackers have found their ways in the company's encrypted servers and administrator files. The group of hackers have not identified themselves but left a ransom note in a word text file that claims to grab ahold of confidential files.

This is one of the nastiest hits that ever occurred to CD Projekt Red, and the gaming industry this year, as most attacks are focused on corporations like security companies, as evidenced by the SolarWinds attack. However, CAPCOM was also subject to a hack last 2020, that demanded a massive sum from the company, apart from leaking games.

CD Projekt Red Discloses Ransomware Attack

According to CD Projekt Red's Twitter statement (@CDPROJEKTRED), the internal systems of the company were compromised after discovering that they have been a victim of a cyber attack within its systems. The group of attackers has not identified themselves despite leaving a ransom note within the company's servers and systems.

The Polish gaming company has made it clear that they would not tolerate the attackers and the group's demands despite the threats they present and would enforce if CD Projekt Red would not cooperate. The company has been actively aiming to locate the source of the attack and what files or data were taken by the hackers.

Source code files of two of the company's top games, "Cyberpunk 2077" and "The Witcher 3" has been mentioned by the hackers, saying it would leak it to the gaming community if the company would not adhere. Additionally, the hackers have also mentioned that they got a hold of administrator files from legal, HR, and other departments.

Experts Deduce CD Projekt Red Attack to be 'HelloKitty' Ransomware

According to Emisoft's Fabian Wosar (@fwosar), the attackers have inserted the notorious "HelloKitty" ransomware in CD Projekt Red's systems, attacking the company and bypassing its security protocols. Moreover, the attack was well conceived as there was little evidence that it has been breaching the system, and has already taken what it needs before its discovery.

CD Projekt Red 'HelloKitty' Ransomware: Company Addresses Former Employees

"Cyberpunk 2077" and "The Witcher 3" creators have disclosed that while it is still unknwon whether files and data of former employees were taken, the company advises these people to be vigilant on breaches. The company's reminder was to make its former employees aware of the attack and suspects that might be the target and soon victims of the ransomware.

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Written by Isaiah Alonzo