Ransomware group threatens Cobb County data leak - Axios Atlanta

Russian-based ransomware group Qilin has threatened to release 150 gigabytes of sensitive data allegedly stolen from Cobb County government systems. On Thursday, the group claimed to have collected 400,000 files including autopsy photos, driver’s licences, and Social Security numbers, which they planned to publish within 48 hours unless a ransom was paid. Cobb County officials previously acknowledged that 10 individuals, including three county employees, were affected by a March cybersecurity breach, offering identity theft protection and credit monitoring to those impacted. The county has declined to pay the ransom demand, stating they “refuse to support or enable criminal enterprises,” despite the difficult position this creates. According to Comparitech, Qilin operates a ransomware-as-a-service business model, taking 15-20% of proceeds from attacks carried out using their malware.