The popular game developer Epic Games has allegedly fallen victim to a ransomware attack by the Mogilevich hacking group. Mogilevich, a relatively new player in the ransomware space, claims to have successfully breached Epic Games’ servers and obtained 189GB of sensitive data, including source code and personal information.
The ransomware gang posted details of the purported hack on their dark website on March 1st, stating “We have quietly carried out an attack to Epic Games’ servers.” Mogilevich threatens to release the data if their ransom demands are not met by March 4th. However, they have not specified a ransom amount or provided proof to validate their claims.
This reported ransomware attack targeting Epic Games raises serious concerns. As the developer of massively popular titles like Fortnite and the owner of the Epic Games Store, Epic possesses highly valuable intellectual property and user data that could prove incredibly damaging if leaked.
Epic Games has offered the following statement:
“We are investigating but there is currently zero evidence that these claims are legitimate. Mogilievich has not contacted Epic or provided any proof of the veracity of these allegations. When we saw these allegations, which were a screenshot of a dark web webpage in a Tweet from a third party, we began investigating within minutes and reached out to Mogilevich for proof. Mogilevich has not responded. The closest thing we have seen to a response is this Tweet, where they allegedly asked for $15k and “proof of funds” to hand over the purported data.”
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While the hack remains unconfirmed, the potential impact underscores the growing threat of ransomware. Groups like Mogilevich and others are increasingly targeting high-profile companies with valuable data. Even unproven claims can cause major disruption and reputational damage.
Epic Games is the latest ransomware target following recent attacks on other gaming companies. Last December, the Rhysida group published over 1 million files stolen from Insomniac Games. The Epic Games hack allegedly involves even more extensive data.
Epic Games has also recently faced difficulties in court cases involving Apple and its App Store tactics. Apple requested payment of $73 million to Epic Games to cover their legal expenses.
As the March 4th deadline approaches, all eyes are on Epic and Mogilevich to see if the attack is legitimate. Epic denies the validity of the claims and says Mogilevich has not provided any evidence.
Mogilevich first appeared in February 2023 when they targeted carmaker Nissan’s Infiniti subsidiary. Little is known about the ransomware operators, but they are believed to be Russian-speaking and offer their services for hire.
The Epic Games hack, if real, would catapult Mogilevich into the big leagues of ransomware gangs wreaking havoc on major corporations. As reported here at Fandom Pulse, it also further highlights the surging risk of ransomware attacks targeting vulnerable companies across all industries.
Epic Games is home to some of the gaming world’s most valuable assets, including the metaverse platform Fortnite. A major ransomware incident could have vast implications beyond just stolen data. With Epic’s ties to prominent partners like Disney, such an attack may have immense downstream impacts across the entertainment industry.
Earlier this month, Disney gave Epic Games a $1.5 billion investment. Additionally, Epic Games declared that it will make a comeback to iOS in Europe later this year.
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While this might be fake, until it is proven to be fake, changing your password is a VERY good idea. Better safe than sorry.
Good point. There’s nothing wrong with resetting passwords anyway.