Between 800 and 1,500 companies around the world were compromised or affected by a cyberattack on Friday that security experts say could be the largest ransomware attack in history, in which hackers shut down systems until a ransom is paid.
“This is the worst ransomware incident to date, but if we don’t take action, the worst is yet to come,” said Kyle Hanslovan, CEO of cybersecurity firm Huntress Labs.
The hackers compromised Kaseya, a Miami-based software maker that provides technology services to tens of thousands of organizations around the world. Many of their customers are so-called managed service providers, who in turn provide security and technical support to other companies and collectively reach millions of companies.
“It sucks,” said Fred Voccola, Kaseya’s chief executive, in a video posted to YouTube early Tuesday, addressing the company’s customers. “If I were you, I would be very, very frustrated, and you should be.”
