KITEWORKS TELLS USERS TO SHUT DOWN SERVERS AMID FEARS OF 'IMMINENT' CYBERATTACK

**Hacker Pranks**

**"Red Flag Alert: Secure File-Sharing Platform Kiteworks Issues Urgent Shutdown Notice Amid Credible Threat Intelligence"**

In a shocking move, secure file-sharing company Kiteworks has advised its customers to shut down their servers for nine hours due to "credible" threat intelligence from federal authorities warning of an impending cyberattack. This precautionary measure is a stark reminder of the ever-present threat of cybercrime and the importance of proactive security measures.

The advisory was issued by Kiteworks' Chief Information Security Officer, Frank Balonis, who emphasized that the shutdown is a preventative measure rather than a response to a confirmed breach. "Out of an abundance of caution, we notified customers directly and recommended a precautionary shutdown window while we continue to work through the matter with federal intelligence authorities," Balonis stated. The shutdown window applies to customers worldwide, with affected time zones ranging from Australian Eastern Standard Time to Pacific Daylight Time.

Kiteworks is a US-based enterprise security and secure data-sharing platform that organizations use to manage sensitive information. The company has stated that it does not have any fixes in the pipeline and that all known vulnerabilities are accounted for in the latest version 9.5.1. Customers are advised to run this version instead of older, potentially vulnerable ones. Other subsidiaries, such as Zivver, DRACOON, totemo, ownCloud, WAMNET, Maytech, Bonfy.ai, and 123FormBuilder, were not affected.

The timing of this incident raises suspicions about the potential involvement of a hacking group known as Cl0p, which struck two major file-sharing platforms three years ago. The breaches resulted in some of the biggest cyberattacks in recent history, affecting thousands of customers, including government agencies, schools, and healthcare organizations. Cl0p attempted to extort many of these companies, even succeeding with some. The cybersecurity community estimated that the group stole between $40 and $100 million.

In recent weeks, Cl0p was reportedly attacked by ShinyHunters, a notorious data exfiltration organization. ShinyHunters leaked Cl0p's sensitive data, saying it did so in retaliation for threats of doxxing and physical violence made by the group. This incident may be a sign of Cl0p's return to form, and it's possible that they may be gearing up for an assault on Kiteworks.

While there have been no reports of actual breaches at Kiteworks' customers, the company has since lifted the shutdown recommendation for all customers. "If you have not already restarted, you may bring your Kiteworks system back online. Customers with self-hosted Advanced Forms should contact Customer Support for assistance. All systems Kiteworks hosts on customers' behalf have been brought back up and are operating normally."

In conclusion, this incident highlights the importance of proactive security measures and the need for companies to stay vigilant against potential cyber threats. As the cybersecurity landscape continues to evolve, it's essential for organizations to stay informed and take necessary precautions to protect themselves against cybercrime.

**Related Articles:**

* The Best Antivirus Software to Protect Your Devices * How to Stay Safe from Ransomware Attacks * The Importance of Regular Software Updates in Preventing Cyber Attacks

**Stay Informed:**

Follow us on social media for the latest cybersecurity news, research, and insights. Join our community to stay ahead of the curve and protect yourself against emerging threats.