Cyber Pirates Serve Up a New Target: Viga Eatery Falls Prey to Play Ransomware

It was an ordinary December morning until the digital world of Viga Eatery was thrown into chaos. The Play ransomware group, a name now feared in cybercrime circles, has claimed responsibility for a fresh attack on the beloved food chain, marking another notch in their growing tally of victims. While the full scope of the breach is still emerging, this incident highlights the relentless reach of ransomware gangs - and the vulnerability of businesses far beyond the Fortune 500.

When Ransomware Comes for Lunch

Viga Eatery, a recognizable name in the food service industry, became the latest casualty in a wave of cyber extortion attacks orchestrated by the Play gang. This group, infamous for targeting organizations across sectors and continents, typically infiltrates networks, encrypts crucial data, and demands hefty ransoms for decryption keys - and, increasingly, for not leaking stolen data.

The attack, detected and reported by ransomware.live on December 13, 2025, follows a now-familiar playbook. After breaching the eatery’s digital defenses, Play posted evidence of their intrusion on their public leak site, a tactic designed to pressure victims into paying up. While the specifics of the compromised data have not been released, the mere presence of a leak screenshot suggests sensitive information may be at risk.

Unlike many high-profile attacks on large corporations, this incident underscores a disturbing trend: smaller businesses like restaurants are no longer flying under the radar. In fact, their often limited cybersecurity budgets and reliance on digital ordering systems make them attractive targets for cybercriminals. The Play group, known for its aggressive tactics, is exploiting this vulnerability, expanding its reach into sectors once considered unlikely marks.

Ransomware.live, a platform tracking these breaches, emphasizes that it only indexes publicly posted information and does not handle or distribute any stolen data. Its role is crucial in alerting the public and supporting research, but the responsibility for defense lies squarely with organizations themselves - no matter their size.

Conclusion: A Bitter Taste for Business

For Viga Eatery, the attack is a costly reminder that no business is too small to be targeted by sophisticated ransomware gangs. As Play and its peers continue to evolve, the lesson for the broader business community is clear: invest in robust cybersecurity, foster a culture of vigilance, and prepare for the unthinkable. In today’s digital landscape, every business is on the menu.

Glossary (WIKICROOK)

Ransomware

Malicious software that encrypts a victim's data, demanding payment for its release.

Leak Site

A website operated by cybercriminals to publish evidence or samples of stolen data, pressuring victims to pay ransoms.

Decryption Key

A digital code provided by attackers to unlock encrypted files after ransom payment.

DNS Records

Data entries that map domain names to IP addresses and other resources on the internet.

Cyber Extortion

The act of using digital threats or attacks to demand money from individuals or organizations.