Tekken and Elden Ring creator Bandai Namco, a Japanese game developer, and distributor have acknowledged that hackers may have gained access to its networks and taken customer data.
According to a report, Bandai Namco confirmed to TechCrunch that it discovered “unauthorized access” to its systems on July 3 and has since taken steps to “prevent the damage from spreading,” such as limiting access to the compromised servers. There has been proof that BlackCat, the notorious ransomware group that is also known as Alphv, has added the Japanese corporation to its dark web leak site in the past few days.
Bandai Namco declined to comment on the specifics of the cyberattack or how hackers gained access to its networks, but it did issue a warning that customer information may have been taken, thereby confirming that it had been the victim of ransomware.
Bandai Namco stated, “There is a potential that customer information relating to the Toys and Hobby Business in Asian regions (excluding Japan) was included in the servers and PCs. We are currently determining the status regarding the presence of a leakage [sic], the extent of the harm, and investigating the source.”
Data obtained in the incident is expected to be released “soon,” according to Alphv’s threat, which is thought to be the latest incarnation of DarkSide’s ransomware gang. If a ransom demand had been made, it is still not confirmed by the developer.
Bandai Namco continued, “We will keep looking into what caused this event, and we’ll release the findings as needed. “We’ll also collaborate with outside groups to improve security across the board and put precautions in place to avoid a repeat,” the statement continued. We sincerely apologize to everyone affected for any inconveniences or worries this incident may have caused, it added.
According to several computer security specialists and the FBI, BlackCat, whose members are thought to have been engaged in the hack of Colonial Pipeline last year, has been increasing its ransomware attacks. Recent thefts have resulted in BlackCat publishing confidential employee information online if the victims refuse to pay. In the past, the group has demanded millions of dollars from school districts, other public entities, and for-profit businesses.
Hacks at large gaming companies have been on the rise recently, and this is just the latest. Several of Capcom’s planned unannounced titles, including Dragon’s Dogma 2, were leaked in late 2020. Hackers broke into the Nvidia servers, stealing information about a number of high-profile games, including the upcoming Kingdom Hearts 4. In early 2021, CD Projekt Red, the Polish developer of The Witcher 3 and Cyberpunk 2077, had employee information and the source code for one of its games stolen. Even FIFA publisher Electronic Arts was targeted, with the suspected perpetrators attempting to blackmail Vice on the company’s behalf.
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