Hackers have launched a wave of sophisticated attacks on major Wall Street firms, using voice-phishing techniques to breach information systems at leading hedge funds and private equity groups.
The attackers attempted to breach systems at Two Sigma Investments, Citadel and Point72 Asset Management, along with private equity firms including Blackstone, KKR and Apollo Global Management. Using so-called vishing tactics, criminals mimicked internal IT department staff in phone calls, pressuring employees to enter credentials on fraudulent websites. Two Sigma, which manages $75 billion in assets, said it thwarted the attempt with no data compromised. Point72 and Citadel declined to comment on whether breaches occurred.
The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority has contacted member firms about the incidents. Cybersecurity experts say artificial intelligence tools have enabled such attacks to be launched more cheaply and broadly, with hackers targeting sectors likely to yield high ransom payments.