Fast Facts

• ILCA Targhe s.r.l., an Italian company, was listed as a new victim by the Qilin ransomware group on November 30, 2025.
• The attack was publicly disclosed by ransomware.live, a platform tracking ransomware incidents worldwide.
• No stolen data was published at the time of reporting, but leak threats loom.
• Qilin has previously targeted a variety of industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, and logistics.

Shadow in the Supply Chain

Picture a silent thief slipping through the digital corridors of an Italian manufacturer - this is the reality facing ILCA Targhe s.r.l. as its name appears on the Qilin ransomware group’s public shaming board. While the specifics of the breach remain under wraps, the very act of being listed signals a dark milestone: another business forced to reckon with the underworld’s most persistent threat.

Qilin, a ransomware-as-a-service operation, has made a name for itself in recent years by deploying double extortion tactics. In simple terms, they not only encrypt a company’s files, holding them ransom, but also steal sensitive data, threatening to leak it if demands are not met. This two-pronged attack is like a burglar who not only locks your valuables in a box but also waves the key over their head, daring you to ignore them.

Italy’s Industrial Nerve Tested

ILCA Targhe, specializing in tags and industrial labeling, is not the first Italian manufacturer to face ransomware’s wrath. In 2023, the notorious LockBit group paralyzed several Italian logistics and manufacturing firms, disrupting supply chains and sowing uncertainty. Qilin’s latest move signals that the country’s industrial sector remains squarely in the sights of cybercriminals - as does the broader European market, where small and midsize businesses often lack the resources of larger corporations to fend off such attacks.

According to a recent report by Digital Shadows, ransomware groups like Qilin increasingly target companies less likely to have robust cybersecurity defenses or the means to recover quickly. Europol’s 2024 Internet Organized Crime Threat Assessment also highlights a trend: cybercriminals are shifting toward “soft targets” in manufacturing and logistics, betting on quick payouts and minimal resistance.

The Mechanics of Modern Ransomware

Qilin’s playbook is alarmingly simple but effective. They exploit weak points - often outdated software or poor password hygiene - to slip inside a network. Once in, their malware quietly encrypts files, sometimes over weekends or holidays when IT teams are less vigilant. Victims are then confronted with a ransom note and a ticking clock, forced to choose between hefty payments or the public exposure of their sensitive information.

The ripple effects extend beyond the victim company. When manufacturers like ILCA Targhe are disrupted, their clients and partners also feel the shockwaves, especially in tightly woven supply chains. The specter of leaked data or halted operations is a reminder that digital threats are now a daily reality for businesses of every size.

WIKICROOK

• Ransomware: Ransomware is malicious software that encrypts or locks data, demanding payment from victims to restore access to their files or systems.
• Double Extortion: Double extortion is a ransomware tactic where attackers both encrypt files and steal data, threatening to leak the data if the ransom isn’t paid.
• Ransomware: Ransomware is malicious software that encrypts or locks data, demanding payment from victims to restore access to their files or systems.
• Encryption: Encryption transforms readable data into coded text to prevent unauthorized access, protecting sensitive information from cyber threats and prying eyes.
• Supply Chain Attack: A supply chain attack is a cyberattack that compromises trusted software or hardware providers, spreading malware or vulnerabilities to many organizations at once.