Qilin Cybercriminal Group Strikes Volkswagen Group France in Major Data Breach The cybercriminal group Qilin has claimed responsibility for a cyberattack on Volkswagen Group France, allegedly stealing 150 gigabytes of sensitive data. The breach, disclosed on October 14 via the group’s leak platform, includes approximately 2,000 files containing confidential information on customers, employees, and business operations. According to an analysis by Cybernews, the exposed data includes personal details of vehicle owners such as names, addresses, and email addresses as well as vehicle-specific information, including model designations, chassis numbers, and license plates. Qilin posted six sample documents as proof of the breach. Volkswagen Group France, headquartered in Villers-Cotterêts, oversees sales and marketing for multiple brands in France, including Audi, SEAT, CUPRA, ŠKODA, and VW Commercial Vehicles. The company, founded in 1960, has not yet publicly confirmed the full extent of the breach. This attack is part of a growing trend of cyber threats targeting the automotive industry. In September, the Everest ransomware group breached BMW, while in August, Jaguar Land Rover was forced to shut down IT systems following a suspected cyberattack, disrupting retail operations and production facilities. The sector remains a prime target for extortion-driven cybercrime.

Volkswagen Group France Hit by Qilin Ransomware Attack, 150GB of Data Stolen The cybercriminal group Qilin has claimed responsibility for a ransomware attack on Volkswagen Group France, compromising approximately 150 gigabytes of sensitive data. The stolen files include personal information of vehicle owners such as names, addresses, and email addresses as well as detailed vehicle data, including model designations, chassis numbers, and license plates. Additionally, the attackers allege the breach contains confidential business and employee records. As proof, Qilin published six documents on their leak platform on October 14, listing Volkswagen Group France as their latest victim. The company, headquartered in Villers-Cotterêts, oversees sales and marketing for multiple Volkswagen Group brands in France, including Audi, SEAT, CUPRA, ŠKODA, and VW Commercial Vehicles. This incident is part of a broader surge in cyberattacks targeting the automotive industry. In late August, Jaguar Land Rover was forced to shut down IT systems and halt production after a similar attack, while BMW was reportedly breached by the Everest ransomware group in September. The sector remains a prime target for extortionists due to its reliance on interconnected systems and valuable customer data.