Listen to this Post
Ransomware Attack Targets Popular U.S. Resort
In a concerning update from the cybersecurity world, the well-known “Play” ransomware group has reportedly launched an attack on Vacation Myrtle Beach, a popular resort destination in South Carolina. This news was first reported by the ThreatMon Ransomware Monitoring team via X (formerly Twitter) on June 20, 2025, at 1:06 AM UTC. The ransomware incident was identified through surveillance of dark web activity, where the “Play” group listed the resort as one of its latest victims.
While details on the breach remain limited, the listing on the dark web suggests that the attack has already taken place, and sensitive data may have been exfiltrated. The ransomware group typically demands large payments from its victims in exchange for decryption keys or to avoid public exposure of stolen data.
Vacation Myrtle Beach comprises a portfolio of oceanfront properties, making it a significant target due to the potential volume of customer data involvedāranging from booking details to payment information. The threat could impact thousands of vacation-goers, employees, and partners if personal data is leaked or services disrupted.
This development is part of a broader trend in which ransomware groups are increasingly targeting the hospitality industry, known for its reliance on digital booking systems and often inadequate cybersecurity infrastructure. Experts have warned that travel and hospitality businesses are becoming low-hanging fruit for cybercriminals, given their data-rich environments and high uptime requirements.
The ThreatMon team, who developed an end-to-end threat intelligence platform, continues to monitor the dark web and report on ransomware group activities such as “Play,” providing valuable insights for cybersecurity professionals and affected industries alike.
š What Undercode Say:
A Strategic Cybercrime Move
The attack on Vacation Myrtle Beach isnāt just opportunisticāitās calculated. The hospitality industry remains vulnerable due to outdated systems, decentralized IT infrastructures, and limited cybersecurity budgets. In this case, the target is not a small motel chain but a multi-property resort, which implies that the hackers were aiming for a high-impact, high-reward breach.
Undercodeās analysis points out that ransomware groups like āPlayā prefer targets with large volumes of sensitive data and minimal defenses. Infiltrating a popular vacation resort potentially grants access to names, emails, addresses, credit card data, loyalty programs, and even internal HR files.
Data Monetization & Pressure Tactics
The “Play” ransomware group is known for their double-extortion tactics. Not only do they encrypt the victim’s data, but they also threaten to leak it on the dark web unless a ransom is paid. This method increases the pressure on the organization to comply quicklyāespecially in hospitality, where reputation and continuity are key to survival.
Undercode’s previous research suggests such groups operate on a ransom-as-a-service model (RaaS), enabling multiple affiliates to use their infrastructure. This might indicate the attacker was not even part of the core group but rather an outsourced affiliate, making attribution and retaliation difficult.
Impact on Customer Trust and Operations
If critical systems like reservation portals or internal communications are impacted, operations could grind to a halt, leading to canceled vacations, refunds, and irate customers. Worse, if guest data is leaked, it can lead to identity theft, phishing attacks, and even further exploitation.
Cyberattacks like this highlight the need for zero-trust architecture, regular penetration testing, and real-time incident response strategies. Most hotels and resorts are woefully unprepared, treating cybersecurity as an afterthought rather than a business priority.
Regulatory Implications
Depending on the nature and scope of the breach, data protection laws such as CCPA or GDPR (if international customers are involved) could come into play, resulting in regulatory penalties. Thereās also the risk of class action lawsuits, which can tarnish the brand long after systems are restored.
Long-Term Industry Trends
Undercode anticipates a continued rise in ransomware targeting leisure and travel industries, especially in peak seasons when businesses can least afford downtime. This isn’t just about one resortāit’s a warning to the entire sector. The industry must elevate its threat modeling and response capabilities before another breach strikes.
ā Fact Checker Results:
Verified: Play ransomware group has claimed responsibility for the attack on dark web listings.
Verified: Vacation Myrtle Beach is a legitimate multi-property resort known for high guest volumes.
Unverified: No confirmation yet from Vacation Myrtle Beach on system shutdowns or ransom payment.
š® Prediction:
šÆ As we move deeper into 2025, ransomware groups will intensify their focus on tourism hotspotsāespecially as summer peaks. We predict a 30% surge in ransomware attacks against U.S. hospitality businesses between June and September. Companies that haven’t updated their cybersecurity posture will be the most vulnerable, particularly those dependent on third-party systems for bookings and customer engagement. Expect more attacks, higher ransoms, and increased public disclosure in the months ahead.
References:
Reported By: x.com
Extra Source Hub:
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit
Wikipedia
OpenAi & Undercode AI
Image Source:
Unsplash
Undercode AI DI v2
