Lockbit hackers linked to Russia threaten to release Royal Mail data

Ransomware gang threatens to release stolen Royal Mail data

A Russia-linked hacking gang has claimed credit for the cyberattack that crippled Royal Mail and threatened to publish stolen company data online.

The LockBit ransomware gang posted an update on their official forums and warned against releasing “all available data” on February 9th.

The Telegraph revealed in January that the LockBit gang, believed to have close ties to Russia, were behind the attack.

The cyberattack shut down the Postal Service’s international export services, causing significant delays in overseas mail and leaving millions of packages in limbo.

The hack is believed to have shut down machines, including those used to print custom labels. It has since developed alternative ad hoc systems to move the mail, but this remains subject to delays.

The day after the hack, the LockBit gang printed ransom notes to unlock the machines.

Communicating mostly in Russian on hacking forums, the LockBit gang have previously stated that they benefit from the “West’s hostile attitude towards Russia” which allows them “to operate freely within the borders of former Soviet countries”.

Royal Mail Chief Executive Simon Thompson previously said it is believed no customer data was stolen as part of the attack.

In their latest post-hack status update, Royal Mail said: “We continue to make progress in exporting a growing number of items to a growing number of international destinations. We are using alternative solutions and systems unaffected by the recent cyber incident and have successfully sent packages and letters that were on our network before the cyber incident and our services recently reopened.”

Royal Mail did not respond to a request for comment.

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