BrickLink, LEGO Fanatic Building Site, Allegedly Targeted by Ransomware

The ever-changing universe of LEGO dominates the toy industry; LEGO is one of the most recognizable toy brands in the world, a perk of which is die-hard fans. LEGO fanatics flock to BrickLink, a privately owned website where individuals can design, sell, and buy block sets. LEGO also features some designs following community voting. An estimated 1.4 million people have registered accounts with the platform, including sellers and consumers. Those with a relationship to BrickLink should consider information defensive measures in the coming days—BrickLink is suffering a cyberattack. 

How Did the Attack Occur? 

The attack is potentially ongoing as the BrickLink website remains down since it noticed the suspicious activity. There is little information about the attack from BrickLink, yet other online sources provide alleged details. Purportedly, the website going down for maintenance three days ago was part of a more significant assault; over the last week, the attackers accessed multiple large sellers, and the assailants reduced their product prices to ground level. Simultaneously, users began to get ransomware threats. It is unknown how the attackers made the assault possible, but ongoing investigations have yet to finish.

What Information Was Viewed or Stolen? 

The information taken in this breach is unknown, but the assailants may have disproportionately targeted seller accounts. Apart from hacked sellers offering heavily discounted options, some may have also ensnared consumers. BrickLink does not oversee the purchasing of items on its website, allowing shop owners to choose themselves; subsequently, many shops use PayPal or Stripe as their purchasing agent. Some hacked sellers, however, may have scammed consumers by making them send direct deposits and banking information. For these reasons, the potentially stolen data may include consumer payment details, seller account credentials, and individual identity data. 

How Did BrickLink Admit to the Breach?

BrickLink is in the throws of the breach disruption. According to the ransom sent to some members, the attack started three days ago, on or around November 3rd. The response team put the website under maintenance that same day. On November 4th, the website updated to include an “investigation [of] unusual activity.” As of November 6th, the website states unauthorized actors have potentially accessed accounts. 

What Will Become of the Stolen Information? 

BrickLink sellers and purchasing consumers are at risk for information exposure following this breach. Although very little is public about the attack because it is ongoing, these are the most potentially impacted parties. Sellers may suffer from additional breaches, while consumers may suffer future financial data misuse. When BrickLink gains control, they plan to notify impacted individuals immediately—this doesn’t mean you should wait for the notice.

What Should Affected Parties Do in the Aftermath of the Breach? 

Those with relationships to BrickLink should consider taking defensive action to protect their information. Consumers must enable financial monitoring services and credit defenders to avoid payment data misuse. Simultaneously, sellers must launch cyber continuity plans to bolster their weakened account defenses. Regardless of your relationship with BrickLink, take preventative steps to guard your data.