Ransomware Alert: Gobierno del Estado de Colima Targeted by 'Devman' Group

Cyber Attack Alert: Gobierno del Estado de Colima Falls Victim to Ransomware Group “Devman”

In a new development on the cybersecurity front, the state government of Colima, Mexico, has reportedly fallen prey to a ransomware attack orchestrated by a group known as “Devman.” The report, disclosed by ThreatMon — a prominent threat intelligence platform — highlights the growing trend of ransomware groups targeting governmental entities.

The attack was documented on May 26, 2025, at 17:14 UTC+3, and it marks a critical moment in the landscape of cyber threats against Latin American institutions. The group behind the attack, “Devman,” is relatively lesser-known compared to notorious ransomware actors like LockBit or Conti, but the bold targeting of a governmental agency suggests they’re looking to escalate their operations and reputation within the underground cybercriminal scene.

ThreatMon’s detection of the incident via dark web surveillance sheds light on how ransomware gangs continue to use hidden forums to publicize their exploits. By listing their victims online, these actors aim to pressure their targets into paying hefty ransoms, often demanding cryptocurrency in exchange for restoring access to encrypted systems or stolen data.

While the post shared by ThreatMon does not disclose the ransom amount, the tactic is clear: intimidate public institutions by showcasing their vulnerability and willingness to negotiate under pressure. The fact that this attack was carried out against a regional government body emphasizes how ransomware groups are diversifying their targets — moving beyond global corporations to local and regional institutions that may lack robust cybersecurity defenses.

This incident also raises alarms about data sovereignty and the possible exposure of sensitive governmental records. The government of Colima could face challenges not just in system recovery, but also in public trust, political stability, and national cybersecurity policy reforms if such attacks persist.

💡 What Undercode Say:

As a cybersecurity-focused community, Undercode has been closely monitoring the evolution of mid-level ransomware operators like “Devman.” Here’s our analytical breakdown of this incident:

Emergence of New Threat Actors: Devman isn’t one of the mainstream ransomware groups yet, but their attack on a government target indicates their hunger for visibility and impact. This signals a rising trend of smaller threat actors mimicking the tactics of larger syndicates.

Target Diversification: Attacking the Gobierno del Estado de Colima is part of a broader shift where hackers are moving away from targeting just tech firms or financial institutions. Local governments, municipalities, and even educational institutions are increasingly in the crosshairs, often due to outdated systems and budget constraints.

Symbolic Messaging: Hitting a government agency is as much about the data as it is about the message. It projects power, capability, and a threat to other would-be targets. It’s cyber terrorism in its softest form — psychological warfare through bytes and breaches.

Dark Web as a Theater of War: By showcasing their activities on dark web forums, ransomware groups like Devman use intimidation and reputation-building tactics. This also helps them attract potential collaborators or even clients for ransomware-as-a-service (RaaS) models.

ThreatMon’s Role: The early detection by ThreatMon reinforces the value of proactive threat intelligence. Their ability to monitor ransomware chatter and dark web activity provides security teams with a vital heads-up before damage becomes uncontrollable.

Implications for Colima: Beyond the potential ransom demands, there are significant concerns around critical data loss, disruption of citizen services, and political ramifications. The state must quickly move into incident response mode — isolate systems, assess breaches, and collaborate with national cybersecurity units.

A Call for Preparedness: Governments — especially in regions with emerging cybersecurity capabilities — must consider investing in endpoint protection, employee training, and real-time threat detection systems. Reactive defense is no longer sufficient.

Broader Trend: 2025 has already seen a spike in ransomware attacks on Latin American public institutions. Devman’s actions could embolden others unless swift action is taken by local authorities and international cybersecurity coalitions.

🔍 Fact Checker Results:

✅ Confirmed Incident – Verified by ThreatMon via dark web monitoring
✅ Legitimate Source – ThreatMon is a recognized cyber intelligence platform
✅ Actor Identity – Devman is known in underground circles, but not yet classified as a major APT group

🔮 Prediction:

📉 Expect increased ransomware targeting of local governments in Latin America throughout 2025.
🛡️ Countries with limited cybersecurity infrastructure will face mounting pressure from cybercriminal groups.
📊 Devman may escalate their operations or attract copycat groups aiming to exploit similarly vulnerable institutions.