Iowa-based grain cooperative hit by cyberattack

Bloomberg - - Iowa-based grain cooperative Recorded Future Inc. was hit on September 17 by ransomware according to Allan Liska, senior threat analyst with the cybersecurity firm New Cooperative Inc. The ransomware gang called BlackMatter, which goes by the name of BlackMatter, demands a $5.9 million ransom, Liska said.

New Cooperative ; Cooperative had identified a cybersecurity incident recently that is impacting some of our company systems and devices according to a statement by the cooperative. Out of an abundance of caution, we proactively took our systems offline to contain the threat and confirm it has been successfully contained. The cooperative contacted law enforcement and are working with data security experts to investigate and remediate the situation, according to the statement. New Cooperative is dealing with this matter with utmost seriousness, and we are quickly using every available tool and resource to restore our systems. We appreciate the patience of our valued customers as we work to restore functionality and investigate this matter and share additional information directly with our customers as we learn it. The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency didn t immediately respond to a request for comment. It is unclear to what extent New Cooperative systems have been affected? BlackMatter is believed to be linked to the ransomware group DarkSide, who attacked Colonial Pipeline Inc. earlier this year, triggering fuel shortages along the East Coast.

According to a post on the website of BlackMatter, the ransomware group has taken New Cooperative s financial information, human resources data, research and development information and source code for its SoilMap product, a technology platform for agricultural producers. A message on SoilMap s website says the product is currently unavailable.

Fort Dodge, Iowa, New Cooperative has over 50 locations across the top U.S. corn grow state and is among the larger crop buyers from its farmer members. The cooperative, which announced a merger with MaxYield Cooperative in July, also distributes fuel and crop chemicals.