The infamous Akira ransomware group introduced on October 29, 2025, that it efficiently breached the techniques of Apache OpenOffice, exfiltrating a staggering 23 gigabytes of delicate company knowledge.
The group, recognized for its aggressive double-extortion techniques, posted particulars on its darkish internet leak web site, threatening to launch the data except a ransom is paid. This incident underscores the escalating dangers going through even non-profit software program foundations in an period of subtle cyber threats.
Apache OpenOffice, a cornerstone of free workplace productiveness instruments developed beneath the Apache Software program Basis, has lengthy served as an accessible various to proprietary suites like Microsoft Workplace.
The software program consists of Author for phrase processing, Calc for spreadsheets, Impress for shows, Draw for vector graphics, Base for databases, and Math for formulation, supporting over 110 languages throughout Home windows, Linux, and macOS platforms.
With tens of millions of customers worldwide, together with in schooling and small companies, the mission depends on volunteer contributors and group funding. The alleged breach doesn’t seem to compromise the general public obtain servers, leaving end-users’ installations secure for now.
Particulars of the Alleged Breach
In keeping with Akira’s put up, the stolen knowledge encompasses extremely private worker information, together with bodily addresses, telephone numbers, dates of start, driver’s licenses, Social Safety numbers, and bank card particulars.
Monetary information, inside confidential paperwork, and in depth reviews detailing software bugs and improvement points are additionally purportedly included within the haul.
The group boasted, “We’ll add 23 GB of company paperwork quickly,” highlighting the breadth of the intrusion into the inspiration’s operational spine.
As of November 1, 2025, the Apache Software program Basis has neither confirmed nor denied the breach, with spokespeople declining quick remark to cybersecurity shops.
Unbiased verification stays elusive, elevating questions on whether or not the info is contemporary or repurposed from prior leaks. If genuine, the publicity might gasoline id theft and phishing campaigns focusing on employees, although the open-source nature of OpenOffice limits direct dangers to the software program’s codebase.
Akira, a ransomware-as-a-service operation that surfaced in March 2023, has amassed tens of tens of millions in ransoms by way of a whole lot of assaults throughout the U.S., Europe, and past.
Specializing in knowledge exfiltration earlier than encryption, the group deploys variants for Home windows and Linux/ESXi environments, even hacking sufferer webcams for added leverage.
Speaking in Russian on underground boards, Akira notably spares techniques with Russian keyboard layouts, hinting at geopolitical selectivity.
This incident comes throughout an increase in ransomware assaults focusing on open-source initiatives, resulting in requires enhanced safety in volunteer-driven ecosystems.
Organizations utilizing Apache OpenOffice are suggested to observe for uncommon exercise and guarantee knowledge backups are remoted. As Akira’s itemizing persists with out decision, the cybersecurity world watches carefully for proof—or fallout—that would reshape belief in collaborative software program improvement.
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