Carlsbad, California – Encina Wastewater Authority (EWA) has become the latest target of the notorious BlackByte ransomware group. The group, known for its aggressive tactics, has hinted at a cyberattack on EWA's platform, suggesting the potential sale of sensitive company documents obtained during the intrusion.
Despite BlackByte's claims, EWA's website, http://encinajpa.com, remains operational without immediate signs of intrusion. However, cybersecurity experts speculate that the threat actor may have infiltrated the organization's backend systems or databases rather than launching a visible front-end attack like a distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) assault.
Encina Wastewater Authority serves over 379,000 residents and businesses across North San Diego County, playing a crucial role in wastewater treatment, resource recovery, and environmental protection for public health and regional water sustainability.
The Cyber Express has reached out to Encina Wastewater Authority for clarification on the alleged cyberattack. As of writing, no official statement or response has been issued by the organization, leaving the claims unconfirmed. The BlackByte ransomware group has also shared sample documents, indicating the attack and offering their sale or removal via email.
BlackByte has been a concern for cybersecurity agencies since its emergence in July 2021, targeting critical infrastructure and gaining attention from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the US Secret Service (USS). Despite mitigation efforts, such as the release of a decrypter by Trustwave in October 2021, BlackByte continues to evolve its tactics and persists in targeting organizations worldwide through a ransomware-as-a-service (RaaS) model.
The situation regarding the alleged cyberattack on Encina Wastewater Authority will be closely monitored by The Cyber Express, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available or any official statement from the organization is issued.
