According to reports, the attack occurred in June, when hackers infiltrated River Bank's systems using a previously unknown vulnerability in the Windows 10 operating system. The attackers then encrypted the stolen data, demanding a ransom in exchange for the decryption key. However, in a bizarre twist, the hackers deleted the stolen data, leaving the bank with nothing to offer the attackers in exchange for the ransom.
The incident highlights the growing threat of ransomware attacks, which have become increasingly sophisticated and difficult to prevent. River Bank's systems were compromised, allowing the attackers to access sensitive information, including customer data and financial records.
As the investigation continues, River Bank has stated that it is working closely with law enforcement agencies to identify the perpetrators and bring them to justice. The bank has also assured its customers that it is taking steps to prevent similar attacks in the future.
Researchers have identified the attackers as using the WannaCry variant of the ransomware, which is a known exploit of the Windows 10 vulnerability. The WannaCry attack, which occurred in May 2017, resulted in widespread disruptions to critical infrastructure and financial systems worldwide.
River Bank's incident serves as a reminder that even the most secure systems can be vulnerable to sophisticated attacks. The bank's decision to delete the stolen data is a rare move, and it may be a deliberate attempt to avoid paying the ransom or to conceal the extent of the breach.