Akira Strikes Wegley Higginbotham & Associates with Ransomware

Ransomware

Summary

On July 12, 2025, the ransomware group Akira publicly claimed responsibility for an attack targeting
Wegley Higginbotham & Associates, a U.S.-based firm of certified public accountants.
According to the threat actor’s post, they intend to release sensitive data unless negotiations are initiated.


Incident Report

FieldDetails
TargetWegley Higginbotham & Associates
Domain
CountryUSA
Attacking GroupAkira
Date ReportedJuly 12, 2025
Threat Actor Statement“We are ready to upload 8 GB of essential corporate documents. Clients and employees personal files, detailed financial data (payment details), NDAs, contracts and agreements, etc.”

About Wegley Higginbotham & Associates

Wegley Higginbotham & Associates PLC is a firm of certified public accountants dedicated to providing superior client service. They offer a variety of professional services and resources aimed at assisting their valued clients.

About Akira Ransomware Group

Akira is a notorious ransomware group known for targeting various industries to extort money by encrypting sensitive data and demanding ransom.

Proactive Response to Ransomware Threats

Organizations must adopt comprehensive cybersecurity measures, including darkweb monitoring, to proactively identify potential threats. Using tools like email breach checkers can help keep an eye on your company’s data exposure. Visit MSP DarkIntel’s Domain Breach Scan to ensure your company is protected.

Recommendations

  • Monitor your domains and email addresses for exposure using reputable threat intelligence tools.
  • Conduct a full compromise assessment and incident response drill internally.
  • Verify backups and ensure they are offline and ransomware-resistant.
  • Educate staff on phishing, social engineering, and lateral movement techniques used by groups like Qilin.
  • Engage with cyber forensics and legal counsel before initiating contact with threat actors.

Check Your Exposure

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Disclaimer

The MSPDarkIntel team does not engage in the exfiltration, downloading, taking, hosting, viewing, reposting, or disclosure of any stolen information.
All breach data reported here is sourced from publicly available threat intelligence feeds for awareness and early-warning purposes only.
Our goal is to inform organizations of emerging threats so they can take timely defensive action.

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