The operators of the REvil ransomware strain are attempting to ratchet up the pressure on a high-profile New York law firm to pay a $42 million ransom, threatening to release more data on the firm's roster of celebrity clients, according to multiple reports and security experts.
The REvil ransomware gang is focusing their pressure campaign on the law firm of Grubman Shire Meiselas and Sacks, which represents some of the most recognizable celebrities in the world, including Lady Gaga, Madonna, Mariah Carey, U2, Bruce Springsteen, Mary J. Blige and many others.
Earlier this month, the REvil operators claimed to have breached the law firm, according to Bleeping Computer. On May 11, Grubman Shire Meiselas and Sacks confirmed to entertainment news site Variety that the firm was hit with a "cyberattack," which turned out to be REvil ransomware. At that time, the gang asked for $21 million to decrypt the firm's data, according to a copy of the ransom note seen by cybersecurity firm Emsisoft and shared with Information Security Media Group.