Ransomware Attack Reportedly Hits Elden Ring Publisher Bandai Namco

It's just been reported that the publisher of the popular Elden Ring, Bandai Namco, has been hit with a ransomware attack by the group known as ALPHV. But what does this mean for the publisher and the supporters that have personal information stored with the company? 

Well were here to answer those questions and more as we delve into the details of the supposed attack and what the stand Bandai Namco has taken in light of this news. 

Ransomware attack on Bandai Namco

The news of this alleged attack was brought to light by vx-underground, a well-known underground malware source code collection platform. They state that the ALPHV ransomware group, also known as the BlackCat ransomware group has claimed to have ransomed Bandai Namco. 

ALPHV ransomware group (alternatively referred to as BlackCat ransomware group) claims to have ransomed Bandai Namco.

Bandai Namco is an international video game publisher. Bandai Namco video game franchises include Ace Combat, Dark Souls, Dragon Ball*, Soulcaliber, and more. pic.twitter.com/hxZ6N2kSxl

— vx-underground (@vxunderground) July 11, 2022

For those who aren't aware, a ransomware attack is an illegal activity in which one party gains unauthorized access to another party's data. The means of this access can vary from clicking on untrusted links to a person physically copying over the ransomware program to the target's machine. 

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This allows the attacker to encrypt the target's data and hold it to "ransom", forcing the target to give the attacking party what they want to return to the folders, such as money, information, and more. The data taken from Bandai Namco in this case could be anything from employee details, source code, and even information about upcoming games, etc. 

While Bandai Namco has not made any official announcements about this development just yet, we are certain that if the attack was successful, will be hearing more about it sooner than later. Since Bandai is responsible for bringing the recent titles such as Elden Ring, and in recent years the Souls series of games, Pac-Man, Tekken, and many more, they will get to the bottom of this issue and notify fans and users that there's nothing to worry about. 

This all brings to light that no company is invulnerable to these kinds of attacks, with EA themselves having FIFA source codes stolen in a massive attack last year. And other big companies such as Capcom and CD Projekt Red being the target of massive leaks of project details for years to come. 

Important Update pic.twitter.com/PCEuhAJosR

— CD PROJEKT RED (@CDPROJEKTRED) February 9, 2021

As mentioned previously, Bandai Namco has yet to make an official statement, but we will be sure to keep you all updated as soon as more information comes to light about the reported ransomware attack. And as a cautionary tale, we should all be sure to stay safe online and avoid any dodgy links and emails. 

For more on the latest news like this, head to our section dedicated to the latest video game news, guides, tips, and more. 

Featured image courtesy of Bandai Namco.