[BreachExchange] Cyberpunk 2077 studio falls victim to ransomware attack, data leak threatened

[Destry Winant]

https://www.theverge.com/2021/2/9/22274035/cd-projekt-hack-source-code-cyberpunk-2077-witcher-3-encrypt-data-ransom

CD Projekt says it’s been hacked by attackers who’ve been able to
access its internal network, encrypt some devices, and collect
“certain data” from the Polish video game company. The Cyberpunk 2077
developer says it will not give in to the demands or negotiate with
the attacker, and does not believe any personal data of players or
service users has been compromised.

In a tweet disclosing the hack, the company shared the ransom note
left by the hackers, who claim to have accessed the source code for
Cyberpunk 2077, Witcher 3, Gwent, and an “unreleased version of
Witcher 3.” The hackers are threatening to release the source code
alongside internal legal, HR, and financial documents “if we will not
come to an agreement.”

In its statement, CD Projekt says that it has secured its IT
infrastructure, and has begun restoring its data from intact backups.
It says it has informed the “relevant authorities” as well as IT
forensic specialists.

The attack follows the developer’s troubled launch of Cyberpunk 2077.
The game released with numerous bugs and performance issues on PC, and
was almost unplayable on older consoles. Sony subsequently pulled the
game from the PlayStation Store and offered refunds to players, while
Microsoft is also offering refunds.

CD Projekt has been subjected to intense criticism for releasing the
game in what critics claim is an unfinished state. The company has
vowed to address Cyberpunk 2077’s performance issues with a series of
patches. It’s now facing a lawsuit from investors who claim they were
misled about the game’s performance prior to release. The developer
has also been criticized over reports that its employees were forced
to work long hours in the months leading up to the game’s release.