CYBER criminals threatened to hold Paddington Bear to ransom after hacking into a showbiz talent company. The gang targeted The Agency, which handles promotion for the much-loved marmalade muncher. On Valentine’s Day, the Rhysida ransomware group, believed to be based in Russia, demanded the West London firm pay a ransom to prevent sensitive data being released online.
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The company, which represents the estate of Paddington Bear author Michael Bond, refused to pay and called in cops. The Met’s cybercrime unit and Information Commissioner’s Office are probing the security breach. In a letter to clients, boss Judy Edmonds wrote: “Last week The Agency was subject to a ransomware attack by a criminal cyber group.
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"They claim to have stolen data they will publish if not paid a ransom. “We have taken measures to ensure the security of our systems and continue to closely monitor them as a priority.”. A follow-up email warned there is a “reasonable chance” the hackers would leak stolen files.
It went on: “Unfortunately, this does include some of your data.”. The Agency, which also handles the estate of The Snowman cartoonist Raymond Briggs. Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme - Sun Club.
