The Russian-language ransomware group Play claimed it hacked MyPillow, the Minnesota-based home goods company founded by Mike Lindell, and extracted private and financial data. Lindell, who is running for governor of Minnesota, denied the breach and called the claims a political attack.
What happened
Play, active since 2022 and responsible for attacks on over 900 organizations, posted on its dark-web leak site that it had obtained “private and personal confidential data, clients’ documents, budget, payroll, IDs, taxes,” and other sensitive information from MyPillow’s systems. The group reportedly set a Friday deadline for MyPillow to engage with them before publishing the data online.
Mike Lindell responded to these allegations, telling Straight Arrow News that his company has not suffered any data breaches and labeled the claims as politically motivated because of his gubernatorial campaign. Lindell is one of several Republicans seeking the nomination in Minnesota’s August primary and is known for vocally supporting former President Donald Trump’s contested 2020 election claims.
Why it matters
The Play ransomware group’s assertion of hacking MyPillow adds to growing concerns about ongoing cyberattacks targeting American companies with demands for ransom and data extortion. MyPillow’s public profile, combined with Lindell’s political ambitions and controversial election claims, raises the stakes of the breach allegation in both cybersecurity and political contexts.
If confirmed, the breach could expose sensitive personal and financial data of MyPillow employees and clients, amplifying the risks posed by ransomware actors who increasingly combine data theft with financial extortion. Lindell’s denial underscores the political polarization that often surrounds major cyber incidents involving high-profile figures.
Background
Ransomware groups such as Play have grown more aggressive in recent years, frequently stealing data to pressure victims to pay ransoms rather than solely locking systems. Play operates primarily in Russian and has targeted hundreds of organizations globally since 2022.
Mike Lindell, known for his vocal support of disproven claims of election fraud in 2020, was recently ordered to pay damages following defamation rulings linked to those claims. His gubernatorial campaign in Minnesota has attracted attention in an already charged political environment.
Sources
This article is based on reporting and publicly available information from the following source:
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