How many auto recycling businesses were affected by the ransomware attack?

More than 300 auto recycling businesses were affected by the ransomware attack, including at least four Canadian companies and potentially hundreds more across the United States.

What type of ransomware was used in the auto recycling attack?

The attackers deployed LockBit Black ransomware after gaining access through vulnerabilities in SimpleHelp remote access software.

Which vulnerability was exploited in the SimpleHelp software?

The attack appears to have exploited known vulnerabilities in SimpleHelp, specifically CVE-2024-57727, to gain initial access to the targeted systems.

Which countries were affected by the auto recycling ransomware attack?

The attack affected businesses in both Canada and the United States, with at least four Canadian companies confirmed affected and potentially hundreds more businesses across the United States.

Has information about exposed data been disclosed?

No, the exposed data and number of affected individuals has not been disclosed in relation to this auto recycling industry ransomware attack.

What industry was specifically targeted in this attack?

The attack specifically targeted the automotive recycling industry, affecting auto recycling businesses that were connected through shared technical infrastructure and remote access systems.

Why was SimpleHelp software installed on the recycler servers?

SimpleHelp software had been installed on recycler servers for technical support purposes, providing legitimate remote access capabilities that were later exploited by the attackers.

What guidance did affected businesses receive about paying ransom?

Insurance companies and cybersecurity experts provided guidance advising against paying the ransom demands, which the majority of affected auto recycling businesses followed.

Incident

Ransomware attack expoits flaws in SimpleHelp software, hits 300 auto recycling businesses

Q: How did the attack spread across multiple auto recycling businesses?

After gaining initial access through SimpleHelp vulnerabilities, the attackers systematically targeted connected systems across the auto recycling network, allowing them to spread the ransomware to hundreds of interconnected businesses.

Q: What was the impact on auto recycling business operations?

The attack caused significant operational disruptions as businesses were locked out of their computer systems and databases, preventing normal business operations across the auto recycling industry.

published: Aug. 15, 2025

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A ransomware attack on August 6, 2025, disrupted operations of more than 300 auto recycling businesses.

The attackers exploited vulnerabilities in SimpleHelp remote access software to deploy LockBit Black ransomware. The attack targeted the automotive recycling industry, affecting at least four Canadian companies and potentially hundreds more across the United States, causing operational disruptions as businesses were locked out of their computer systems and databases.

SimpleHelp is a legitimate program that allows remote access to computer systems, which had been installed on recycler servers for technical support purposes. Once attackers gained initial access, they systematically targeted connected systems across the auto recycling network.

The attack appears to have exploited known vulnerabilities in SimpleHelp like CVE-2024-57727.

The exposed data and number of affected individuals is not disclosed. The majority of affected businesses chose not to pay the ransom demands, following guidance from insurance companies and cybersecurity experts.

Ransomware attack expoits flaws in SimpleHelp software, hits 300 auto recycling businesses

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