Description

ASCO Applied Sciences, a Canadian scientific consulting firm, has begun notifying affected U.S. residents of a data breach stemming from a cyberattack that began in July 2025. Although the company initially reported no indication that personal information had been accessed, further investigation revealed in October that sensitive employee data had been stolen. The Rhysida ransomware group later claimed responsibility, demanding 10 bitcoins valued at about USD $1.22 million in exchange for deleting the compromised data. The breach exposed a wide range of employee information, including identification documents, tax records, bank details, and Social Security numbers, with 66 U.S. residents confirmed as impacted so far. Rhysida, a ransomware gang believed to be linked to Vice Society, has been active since 2023 and continues to target organizations across multiple sectors. The group has carried out dozens of attacks this year alone, frequently releasing proof-of-theft data packs containing identity documents to pressure victims into paying. Its activity in Canada has been particularly notable in 2025, with numerous confirmed incidents affecting educational institutions, manufacturers, government entities, and service providers. These disruptions highlight the persistent risk ransomware poses to organizations handling sensitive operational and personal data. JASCO operates out of Dartmouth, Canada, providing scientific consulting and research services focused on underwater acoustics. Because the company supports major industries such as defense, renewable energy, marine construction, and oil and gas, it holds extensive datasets that can be attractive to threat actors. Incidents like this underscore the importance of strong cybersecurity measures and continuous monitoring, especially for third-party service providers that serve as critical links in broader supply chains.