The hackers who attacked a major entertainment and media law firm have now doubled the sum they’re demanding, and have included a threat to reveal compromising data on President Donald Trump.
Grubman Shire Meiselas & Sacks represents high-profile clients including U2, Madonna, Lizzo, Drake, and Lady Gaga among many others. The firm was targeted with ransomware earlier this month, which led to the reported exfiltration of 756 gigabytes of data, including contracts and client correspondence. REvil, the hacking group claiming responsibility for the attack, initially demanded $21 million in ransom and released contracts relating to a recent Madonna tour as proof of their access to the firm’s data. They have since doubled their demand.
“The ransom is now $42,000,000,” the hackers announced in a statement on the dark web. “The next person we’ll be publishing is Donald Trump… Grubman, we will destroy your company down to the ground if we don’t see the money.”
Donald Trump is not a client of the firm, which raises questions as to what data, if any, they have access to.
Grubman Shire Meiselas & Sacks has refused to cooperate with the hackers’ demands.
“The leaking of our clients’ documents is a despicable and illegal attack by these foreign cyberterrorists who make their living attempting to extort high-profile U.S. companies, government entities, entertainers, politicians, and others,” the firm said in an announcement.
