Summary
On July 12, 2025, the ransomware group Everest publicly claimed responsibility for an attack targeting
Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi, a government entity committed to transforming Abu Dhabi into a global cultural hub.
According to the threat actor’s post, they intend to release sensitive data unless negotiations are initiated.
Incident Report
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Target | Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi |
| Domain | N/A |
| Country | UAE |
| Attacking Group | Everest |
| Date Reported | July 12, 2025 |
| Threat Actor Statement | “The full leak will be published soon, unless a company representative contacts us via the channels provided.” |
About the Organization
The Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) is instrumental in promoting the emirate as a cultural hub. It focuses on enhancing Abu Dhabi’s global image through its rich cultural and historical heritage by stimulating tourism. The department organizes events, establishes museums, preserves local heritage, and promotes Emirati culture internationally.
About the Threat Actor Group
Everest is a notorious ransomware group known for targeting high-profile organizations globally. Their modus operandi involves encrypting data and demanding ransom for decryption while threatening to release sensitive information publicly.
Proactive Response to Ransomware Threats
Organizations can proactively respond to such threats by implementing robust cybersecurity measures and monitoring the dark web for potential data leaks. Regular security audits and employee training are crucial in preventing ransomware attacks. Use the domain breach scan tool to keep an eye on your company’s data and ensure immediate action in case of any breach.
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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