Brisbane, May 2, 2025 – The Akira ransomware operation has claimed responsibility for a significant data breach involving Australian firm Watkins Steel, asserting that it has stolen 17 gigabytes of sensitive information in a recent attack.
According to a listing dated April 30, Akira alleges that the stolen data includes both employee information and internal documents from Watkins Steel, a firm based in Brisbane that operates within the steel industry.
This incident highlights the ongoing threat posed by ransomware groups, which have increasingly targeted organizations across various sectors, particularly in Australia. The Akira group has gained notoriety for its aggressive tactics and the volume of data it claims to exfiltrate from its victims.
Watkins Steel is now faced with the challenge of addressing the breach’s implications, which may include potential data exposure for employees and the need for enhanced cybersecurity measures to prevent future incidents. The company has yet to publicly disclose detailed information regarding its response or the steps it is taking to mitigate the impact of the breach.
The attack on Watkins Steel underscores the critical need for robust cybersecurity practices among firms in vulnerable sectors, as ransomware attacks continue to evolve and pose significant risks to data security and privacy.
As the situation develops, it remains imperative for organizations to remain vigilant and proactive in their cybersecurity strategies to safeguard against such threats.
