‘Black Cat’ Ransomware Tied to Attacks on Germany’s Fuel Systems

A Russia-linked cybercrime gang was allegedly responsible for ransomware attacks that took down a swath of Germany’s fuel-distribution system this week and hindered payments at some filling stations.

Hackers using a strain of ransomware known as “Black Cat” infected computers at Mabanfaft GmbH and Oiltanking GmbH Group, according to two people familiar with an investigation into the breaches.

Ransomware is a type of malicious software that encrypts files on victims’ computers, rendering them inaccessible until a ransom is paid. It’s not known how much money the Black Cat gang has demanded from the firms.

The hackers behind Black Cat appear ...