Scattered Spider Compromises VMware ESXi to Launch Ransomware Against Critical U.S. Infrastructure
July 28, 2025
Cyber Attack / Ransomware
The infamous cybercrime group Scattered Spider is targeting VMware ESXi hypervisors in a series of attacks against the retail, airline, and transportation sectors in North America. According to an in-depth analysis by Google’s Mandiant team, “The group’s core tactics remain unchanged and do not depend on software exploits. Instead, they employ a strategic playbook that primarily involves phone calls to IT help desks.” The actors are described as aggressive and innovative, particularly adept at using social engineering to bypass even robust security systems. Their operations are precision-driven campaigns focused on the most critical systems and data of their victims. Also known as 0ktapus, Muddled Libra, Octo Tempest, and UNC3944, these threat actors have a track record of executing sophisticated social engineering tactics to gain initial access to target environments, subsequently employing a “living-off-the-land” (LotL) strategy by leveraging trusted administrative tools.
Cyber Attack / Ransomware
Scattered Spider Breaches VMware ESXi to Launch Ransomware Attacks on Critical U.S. Infrastructure July 28, 2025 In a concerning escalation of cyber threats, the cybercriminal group known as Scattered Spider has been orchestrating targeted attacks on VMware ESXi hypervisors, primarily affecting sectors such as retail, airlines, and transportation across North…
Scattered Spider Compromises VMware ESXi to Launch Ransomware Against Critical U.S. Infrastructure
July 28, 2025
Cyber Attack / Ransomware
The infamous cybercrime group Scattered Spider is targeting VMware ESXi hypervisors in a series of attacks against the retail, airline, and transportation sectors in North America. According to an in-depth analysis by Google’s Mandiant team, “The group’s core tactics remain unchanged and do not depend on software exploits. Instead, they employ a strategic playbook that primarily involves phone calls to IT help desks.” The actors are described as aggressive and innovative, particularly adept at using social engineering to bypass even robust security systems. Their operations are precision-driven campaigns focused on the most critical systems and data of their victims. Also known as 0ktapus, Muddled Libra, Octo Tempest, and UNC3944, these threat actors have a track record of executing sophisticated social engineering tactics to gain initial access to target environments, subsequently employing a “living-off-the-land” (LotL) strategy by leveraging trusted administrative tools.
