Google has warned that hackers, allegedly linked to the Cl0p ransomware gang, are targeting executives with mass extortion emails. The attackers claim to have stolen sensitive data from Oracle’s E-Business Suite, though Google says it cannot yet verify the breach. Oracle has not confirmed any compromise, while experts warn that such groups often exaggerate claims to pressure victims.
According to Google, there is not yet sufficient proof to verify the validity of these allegations.
Google Warns of Hacker Extortion Campaign Targeting Executives
Alphabet Inc.’s Google (GOOGL.O) has warned that hackers are targeting executives across multiple organizations with a wave of extortion emails. The attackers claim to have stolen sensitive corporate data from Oracle’s widely used business applications.
According to Google, the messages are allegedly linked to the notorious Cl0p ransomware group, which has been behind several large-scale data theft and extortion operations in recent years. The emails, described by Google as a “high-volume campaign,” were sent to an unspecified number of executives, demanding action under the threat of exposing stolen data.
In its statement, Google noted that the attackers specifically referenced Oracle’s E-Business Suite, a popular enterprise resource planning (ERP) software that manages critical business processes for global companies. However, the tech giant emphasized that it currently does not have enough evidence to verify the hackers’ claims of a breach.
Requests for comment sent to both Cl0p and Oracle have gone unanswered. Oracle has not publicly confirmed any security compromise of its systems.
Google declined to provide further technical details about the campaign but urged organizations to remain vigilant against phishing and extortion threats. Cybersecurity analysts note that Cl0p and similar groups often exaggerate their claims to pressure victims into paying, even when data theft cannot be independently verified.
The incident highlights the growing trend of ransomware and extortion groups shifting their focus to executives and corporate decision-makers, who are often seen as more vulnerable to coercion due to their access to critical company data.