Medusa Ransomware Targets NASCAR, Demands $4 Million Ransom
The medusa ransomware group has claimed NASCAR (National Association for stock Car Auto Racing) as its latest victim, demanding a $4 million ransom to prevent the release of internal data. The cyberattack underscores the increasing threat ransomware poses to organizations of all sizes, regardless of their revenue.
Medusa’s Growing List of Victims Includes Insurance Firm, Bank, and Urgent Care Facility
Alongside NASCAR, Medusa has also listed McFarland Commercial Insurance Services, Bridgebank Ltd, and Pulse Urgent Care as recent victims on its dark web leak site.
Ransomware Gang’s History of Attacks
First identified in 2021, Medusa gained notoriety in 2023 for targeting Minneapolis Public Schools, leaking sensitive student and employee data after a $1 million ransom demand went unanswered. The group has also targeted hospitals, telecom firms, and municipalities, frequently enough releasing significant amounts of internal files when ransom demands are not met.
Medusa’s Tactics Evolve: Stolen Certificates Used to Disable Security
Recently, Medusa garnered attention for employing stolen digital certificates to disable anti-malware tools on compromised systems.This tactic, reported in late March, allowed the group to operate undetected within networks.
FBI and CISA issue Warning About Medusa Ransomware
In March 2025,the FBI and CISA issued a joint advisory urging organizations to bolster their cybersecurity defenses. The advisory specifically recommended enabling two-factor authentication and monitoring systems for unauthorized certificate use.
NASCAR’s Response Unclear: To Pay or Not To Pay?
While it remains unclear weather NASCAR intends to negotiate or pay the ransom,Medusa’s history suggests that further data leaks are probable if the ransom is not paid within the attackers’ specified timeframe.
Here are two PAA (People Also Ask) related questions based on the provided text:
Medusa Ransomware Targets NASCAR, Demands $4 million Ransom
The medusa ransomware group has claimed NASCAR (National Association for stock Car Auto Racing) as its latest victim, demanding a $4 million ransom to prevent the release of internal data. the cyberattack underscores the increasing threat ransomware poses to organizations of all sizes, regardless of their revenue.
Medusa’s Growing List of Victims Includes Insurance firm, Bank, and Urgent Care Facility
Alongside NASCAR, medusa has also listed McFarland Commercial insurance Services, Bridgebank Ltd, and Pulse Urgent Care as recent victims on its dark web leak site.
Ransomware Gang’s History of Attacks
First identified in 2021, Medusa gained notoriety in 2023 for targeting Minneapolis Public Schools, leaking sensitive student and employee data after a $1 million ransom demand went unanswered. The group has also targeted hospitals, telecom firms, and municipalities, frequently enough releasing significant amounts of internal files when ransom demands are not met.
Medusa’s Tactics Evolve: Stolen Certificates used to Disable security
Recently, Medusa garnered attention for employing stolen digital certificates to disable anti-malware tools on compromised systems.This tactic, reported in late March, allowed the group to operate undetected within networks.
FBI and CISA issue Warning About Medusa Ransomware
In March 2025,the FBI and CISA issued a joint advisory urging organizations to bolster their cybersecurity defenses. The advisory specifically recommended enabling two-factor authentication and monitoring systems for unauthorized certificate use.
NASCAR’s Response Unclear: To Pay or Not To Pay?
While it remains unclear weather NASCAR intends to negotiate or pay the ransom,Medusa’s history suggests that further data leaks are probable if the ransom is not paid within the attackers’ specified timeframe.
Q&A: Demystifying the Medusa Ransomware Attack on NASCAR
What is Medusa Ransomware?
Medusa is a ransomware group that encrypts a victim’s data and demands a ransom for its release. Thay often threaten to leak sensitive details if the ransom isn’t paid.
How does Medusa infect its victims?
medusa uses various methods, including phishing emails, exploiting software vulnerabilities, and, as seen recently, using stolen digital certificates to bypass security measures. They may also use compromised Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) credentials.
What is the meaning of the FBI and CISA warning?
the FBI and CISA issued a joint advisory highlighting the threat posed by Medusa. This warning emphasizes the importance of strengthening cybersecurity defenses to prevent attacks. Thes entities also provide resources, like the CISA website, to inform and guide organizations on how to secure their systems.
Why is NASCAR a target?
Ransomware groups frequently enough target organizations with valuable data or the financial resources to pay a ransom. NASCAR likely has both, making them a lucrative target.
What happens if the ransom isn’t paid?
Medusa typically leaks the stolen data on their dark web leak sites. The amount and sensitivity of the data released can vary based on the victim’s response and the attackers’ goals.
What can organizations do to protect themselves?
Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA), regularly update software, monitor for unauthorized certificate use, back up data regularly, and educate employees about phishing and other social engineering tactics. A robust incident response plan is equally crucial.
Is paying the ransom a good idea?
There is no guarantee data will be returned. While paying may seem like the easiest solution, it encourages future attacks and doesn’t always guarantee data recovery. Law enforcement often advises against paying ransoms.
What’s the latest?
As of the time this article was written, it is unknown if NASCAR has paid the ransom. Updates will likely appear on security news sites.
The Medusa ransomware attack on NASCAR is another reminder of the ever-present cyber threat. Take proactive steps to protect your association!
