The Register: Play ransomware crims exploit SimpleHelp flaw in double-extortion schemes

Jun 4, 2025

—

Source URL: https://www.theregister.com/2025/06/04/play_ransomware_infects_900_victims/
Source: The Register
Title: Play ransomware crims exploit SimpleHelp flaw in double-extortion schemes

Feedly Summary: Recompiled binaries and phone threats used to boost the pressure
Groups linked with the Play ransomware have exploited more than 900 organizations, the FBI said Wednesday, and have developed a number of new techniques in their double-extortion campaigns – including exploiting a security flaw in remote-access tool SimpleHelp if orgs haven’t patched it.…

AI Summary and Description: Yes

Summary: The text highlights a significant security threat posed by groups linked to the Play ransomware, which has affected over 900 organizations. The mention of exploiting a security flaw in the SimpleHelp remote-access tool illustrates a critical vulnerability that security professionals must address to prevent damage from possible double-extortion campaigns.

Detailed Description: The content addresses a serious issue within the realm of information security, particularly regarding ransomware attacks and remote access tool vulnerabilities. Key points include:

– **Ransomware Threat**: The Play ransomware group has reportedly targeted over 900 organizations, showcasing a widespread and aggressive approach to cybercrime.
– **Double-Extortion Tactics**: The groups have implemented double-extortion techniques, where they not only encrypt data but also threaten to leak sensitive information if their demands are not met. This escalates the urgency for organizations to enhance their cybersecurity measures.
– **Vulnerabilities in Tools**: A notable security flaw in the remote-access tool SimpleHelp is specifically cited, indicating that organizations’ failure to patch this vulnerability leaves them open to exploitation by malicious actors.
– **Urgency for Patching**: The emphasis on the need for timely patching of software vulnerabilities highlights the importance of proactive security measures.

Given the evolving landscape of cyber threats, these insights underline the necessity for security professionals to remain vigilant and update their defenses against such sophisticated attack methods, ensuring compliance with security best practices and regulations.

2 2025 4 5 a access Act addresses AI and app art as attack attack method attack methods attacks Best best practices Bi binaries by C campaigns CI co compliance content crime critical critical vulnerability cyber cyber threat cyber threats cybercrime cybersecurit Cybersecurity cybersecurity measures D data day de defense defenses demand Double e event exp exploit Exploitation extortion extortion campaign extortion schemes extortion tactics fail FBI for g Gen GIS Group gs H high Highlight HR http HTTPS in information information security insights io issue ite k Key l land law led Li Link linked lm M malicious actors man measures N no o of on one only oost open organization organizations oS over Patch patching phi play Play ransomware point pre proactive proactive security proactive security measures professionals Q R ransom ransomware ransomware attack ransomware attacks ransomware group rate RCE real Regulation regulations remote Remote Access remote access tool report Ro s SD sec security security best practices Security Flaw security measure security measures security professionals security threat sensitive information Sig Sim Simple SimpleHelp SimpleHelp flaw software software vulnerabilities source specific SSE T tactics targeted tech techniques text the threat threats Time to tool tools Tor TP under up update ups US use V victims vulnerabilities vulnerability Ware Wi x