Open source developer Grafana Labs says hackers stole its code, refusing to pay ransom

Grafana Labs, maker of its popular web browser, confirmed it had been hacked but refused to pay hackers who threatened to release the company’s codebase.

In column list In a press release, the lab said its investigation found that hackers had misused a stolen password that allowed access to the company’s GitLab, which is used to develop code. The token did not provide access to customer records or financial data, but it did allow hackers to access the company’s source code repository. The company hacked the logo and added some security measures to prevent it from happening again.

“The attacker tried to trick us, asking for money to block the release of our codebase,” the company said.

Grafana’s code is open source and public, meaning anyone can download the software and modify its code before running it on their own system. It is unclear if the hackers stole any passwords or information. A spokesman for the company did not return a request for comment.

The incident comes in contrast to the latest hack of the education technology firm Instructure, which took place last week They “agreed” to pay the thieves who hacked his network twice in recent weeks. The hackers demanded an undisclosed ransom, and threatened to release false information about staff and students using its software. following serious data breaches and website crashes.

In the case of Grafana, no customer data was taken, the company cited long-standing FBI advice that encourages victims not to be paid by hackers, because cooperating with hackers does not guarantee that they will return the stolen content or stop publishing it later. Critics also say that paying cybercriminals helps pay for future cybercrimes.

Grafana said his research is ongoing and he will share the findings of his research once it is complete.