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Introduction
A new ransomware attack has been recorded in the ever-growing list of cyber extortion incidents plaguing companies worldwide. On May 18, 2025, at 16:47 UTC+3, the notorious “WorldLeaks” ransomware group claimed responsibility for targeting a Belgian company, Horecamaterialen De Meester NV. This incident was first reported by the ThreatMon Ransomware Monitoring team, a known cybersecurity intelligence source that closely tracks dark web ransomware activity. With ransomware groups becoming more aggressive and the frequency of attacks rising, this event underscores the urgent need for enhanced digital security strategies.
the Incident
According to the latest intelligence shared on social media by @TMRansomMon, a division of ThreatMon, the WorldLeaks ransomware gang has added Horecamaterialen De Meester NV to its growing list of victims. This Belgian company, known for its hospitality and catering equipment, was reportedly compromised on May 18, 2025, around 16:47 UTC+3. The ThreatMon team detected this activity through dark web monitoring, signaling that the attackers might have published or threatened to leak sensitive company data if ransom demands aren’t met.
WorldLeaks is part of a new breed of ransomware actors who utilize a double extortion strategy—encrypting files and threatening to leak data if the ransom is unpaid. Their operations often involve targeted attacks on mid-sized businesses across Europe, which typically have limited cybersecurity resources compared to larger enterprises.
As of the time of reporting, the extent of the breach, the nature of the encrypted or exfiltrated data, and whether any ransom negotiations are underway remain unclear. However, the mere presence of De Meester NV on the ransomware leak site implies that data has either been stolen or access has been severely disrupted.
The ThreatMon Threat Intelligence Platform has long monitored malicious indicators (IOCs) and command-and-control servers (C2), helping cybersecurity teams take proactive steps against such threats. This recent disclosure is part of their ongoing initiative to provide real-time alerts to protect digital ecosystems.
What Undercode Say: 🧠
The attack on Horecamaterialen De Meester NV follows a troubling trend we’ve been tracking for months. Mid-tier European suppliers in niche industries are becoming prime targets for ransomware operators. These companies often lack the in-house cybersecurity defenses or the budget to implement comprehensive threat detection systems.
Let’s break down the implications of this latest breach:
Sector vulnerability: Horecamaterialen De Meester NV operates in the hospitality equipment supply chain—a sector that’s increasingly digitized but not always well-defended. Attackers know this and exploit the security gaps.
Tactics used: While the exact attack vector is not public, WorldLeaks usually leverages phishing or software vulnerabilities to gain initial access, followed by privilege escalation and lateral movement across networks.
Data exposure risk: Being listed on the leak site typically means the data is either already exfiltrated or being held hostage. This can include customer lists, internal documents, contracts, and financial records.
Impact on reputation and operations: Beyond operational downtime, the reputational damage from such incidents can be long-lasting. Clients and partners may reconsider ongoing business relationships due to concerns over data safety.
Insurance & legal angle: Depending on the jurisdiction and insurance policy clauses, paying the ransom or failing to disclose the breach could have significant legal implications.
Dark Web monetization: Even if the ransom is paid, there’s no guarantee that the stolen data won’t be resold. This is a hallmark of many double extortion schemes—once the data is out, it’s out.
In conclusion, this event highlights the critical need for companies, even in non-tech industries, to adopt robust cybersecurity postures, including regular employee training, patch management, and incident response protocols.
🕵️ Fact Checker Results
✅ The attack was publicly reported by a verified ransomware monitoring team, ThreatMon.
✅ The victim, Horecamaterialen De Meester NV, has been listed by WorldLeaks.
✅ The timeline and incident details align with real-time dark web monitoring records.
🔮 Prediction
Based on the current trajectory of WorldLeaks and similar groups, it’s likely we will see:
- An increase in attacks on mid-sized European firms, especially those in logistics, hospitality, and manufacturing.
- A continued rise in data leak extortion strategies, where public shaming is used as leverage for ransom payments.
- More reliance on open-source threat monitoring tools by cybersecurity professionals, as private platforms struggle to keep pace with rapid developments.
Organizations must take these signals seriously—digital resilience is no longer optional in 2025.
References:
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