Pool News
Brenntag Hacked by DarkSide, Pays $4.4m Ransomware Attack
Company pays hackers $4.4 million in Bitcoin to release data
![Brenntag Pool Chemical Distributor targeted in Ransomware Attack by DarkSide hackers - pays $4.4 m ransom](https://www.poolmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/brenntag-got-hacked.jpeg)
In recent news, Brenntag a leading world-wide distributor of chemicals; was attacked in a ransomware attack by a hacker group known as DarkSide. The ransomware group extracted a whopping $4.4 million dollars in Bitcoin from the second largest chemical distributor in North America.
A world-wide chemical distribution company, Brenntag is headquartered in Essen, Germany with operations in 77 countries. The distributor has 17,000 employees spread out across 670 sites across the globe. The company has 190 sites in the U.S. and Canada and has around 40,000 customers in those regions. Brenntag distributes a variety of chemicals and essential materials used by the pool industry.
![](https://www.poolmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Brenntag-flags-1024x576.jpeg)
Pool Chemical Distributor Hacked
Brenntag confirmed that it suffed a “limited security information incident”, but insiders at Bleeping Computer say that the distributor was looking at a substantial data loss of over 150 GB of stole data including:
- Financial and accounting information
- Sensitive Accounting & HR information
- Contracts, NDAs, Marketing, Legal
- Projects, Chemical Formulas
![DarkSide posted the exact contents stolen from Brenntag](https://www.poolmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/data-leak-site-1024x578.jpeg)
The hackers originally demanded 133.65 Bitcoin ($4.79 million) but after protracted negotiations with the company, finally accepted the payment of $4.4 million on May 11th.
The ransomware attack targeted Brenntag’s North America division. The hackers encrypted devices and stole unencrypted files off the network. To establish their claims, DarkSide created a private leak page that detailed the contents in question as well as a few screenshots of some files.
![Brenntag - Pool Chemical Distributor forced to pay $4.4 million dollar ransom for data](https://www.poolmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Brenntag-logo.jpeg)
Company executives and shareholders both want to know how hackers gained access to Brenntag’s network. DarkSide is a (RaaS) or Ransomware-as-a-Service. Similar to other cloud severices, this one operates in a fashion that allows ransomware developers to partner with hackers who are able to gain network access to deliver the payload.
As part of the deal, DarkSide team members typically earn a 20-30% commission on the ransom with the rest going to the affiliates who performed the attack. In the case of Brenntag’s hack, a DarkSide affiliate claims to obtained access after buying stolen network credentials.
![](https://www.poolmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/DarkSide-says-they-purchase-credentials-for-the-network.jpeg)
This isn’t the first ransomware attack the group has conducted that has hit the mass media. Recently DarkSide attacked the Colonial Pipeline. The Biden administration admonished Russia who they are certain have been behind recent attacks.
“We are working to try to get to the place where we have sort of an international standard that governments knowing that criminal activities are happening from their territory, that we all — we all move on those — those criminal enterprises,” said Biden. “I expect that’s one of the topics I’ll be talking about with — with President Putin.”
Russia has denied any involvement in other of the two attacks. One thing is clear though, the number of ransomware attacks against US corporations is increasing, both in frequency and in the ransom amounts being demanded. Experts say this incident is a perfect example of how imperative it is for large scale pool companies, manufacturers and distributors to begin paying closer attention to their network security. Brenntag North America learned this lesson the hard way.
Pool News
French Diver Makes Splash After Flop At Opening of Olympic Pool
![French Diver Makes Splash After Flop At Opening of Olympic Pool](https://www.poolmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/french-diver-flops-at-olympics-pool.jpg)
French Olympic diver, Alexis Jandard, created a memorable moment at the grand opening of Paris’s new Olympic pool, though not quite in the manner he had envisioned.
A startling video captured during the inauguration of the state-of-the-art Paris Aquatics Center on Thursday showcased the 26-year-old Olympian’s unfortunate landing on his right foot while gearing up to dive alongside two fellow athletes. Adorned in a Speedo reflecting the hues of the French flag, Jandard’s discomforting descent saw him landing on his back, ricocheting off the nearly 10-foot-high dive board, and somersaulting into the pool in a rather ungraceful manner.
The incident unfolded in front of a sizable crowd of onlookers, including French President Emmanuel Macron and various dignitaries. Jandard later displayed his scraped back on his Instagram account, maintaining a light-hearted approach to his embarrassing mishap by quipping, “For your information, my back is fine, but my ego…”
Sharing a photo of his reddened back, courtesy of the encounter with the diving board, on Instagram Stories, Jandard assured followers of his well-being. Speaking to RMC Sport, he recounted the unexpected turn of events, stating, “I’m fine. I didn’t hurt myself; unfortunately, these things happen. It happened at a time when I wasn’t expecting it at all.”
![Alexis Jandard injured his back at the inauguration of the new Olympic Pool in Paris. Photo Credit: @alexis_jandard - Instagram](https://www.poolmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/alexis-jandard-back-1024x576.jpg)
Reflecting on the incident, Jandard humorously noted, “I’ve broken boards before, but the board had never broken me before. Now it has.” Despite the hiccup, he maintained an optimistic outlook, remarking, “I would have preferred this ceremony to have gone well from A to Z. There was that little hitch. If it made people smile a little, so much the better.”
Explaining the mishap, Jandard clarified that his leg gave way upon landing but denied any slippage, emphasizing, “It’s a non-slip [board], and what’s more, the board was new, beautiful, and I think there’s still [some of] my back on the board there.”
With a silver and bronze under his belt at the 2022 and 2023 World Aquatics Championships, respectively, Jandard took the incident in stride, admitting, “It’s a shame, but it’s funny. When you take a step back, it’s funny.”
Looking ahead to the 2024 Paris Games this summer, where he is set to compete, Jandard acknowledged the inevitability of such occurrences in his sport, jesting, “These things happen,” while playfully lamenting, “It had to happen in front of the president and the whole of France. I think we chose the right moment.”
Despite being inundated with supportive messages and playful jabs, Jandard maintained a good-natured stance, urging his followers on Instagram, “Enjoy yourselves, make fun of me. I seriously deserve it!”
Pool News
Earthquake in Taiwan Causes Waterfall From Rooftop Pool
A massive earthquake in Taiwan transforms a rooftop pool into a waterfall. View viral footage.
![Earthquake in Taiwan Causes Waterfall From Rooftop Pool](https://www.poolmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/taiwan-earthquake-pool.jpg)
In a harrowing turn of events, Taiwan was struck by a powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake, leaving devastation in its wake. The quake, the strongest to hit the island in 25 years, shook the east coast of Taiwan, particularly affecting the city of Hualien and its surrounding areas. With a depth of 34.8 kilometers, the epicenter of the earthquake was located 18 kilometers south of Hualien, according to the US Geological Survey.
As rescue efforts are underway to free those trapped under rubble and debris, the toll of the disaster continues to rise. At least nine individuals have lost their lives, while over 900 others have sustained injuries. The aftermath of the earthquake has left over 100 buildings damaged, with reports of landslides and collapsed structures adding to the chaos.
The force of the quake was so immense that it caused a surreal sight—a rooftop swimming pool overflowing and cascading down the side of a building, creating an impromptu waterfall. Footage captured during the earthquake also shows the sheer force as a man inside a pool struggles to maintain balance, the water swaying violently from side to side.
The region of Hualien County, with a population of approximately 300,000, faces immense challenges in assessing the full extent of the damage. Many inhabitants reside in remote coastal or mountain communities, making it difficult for rescue teams to reach them promptly. The precarious situation is exacerbated by the expectation of aftershocks, with 29 aftershocks greater than a magnitude of 4.0 already recorded near the epicenter.
Compounding the crisis are reports of miners trapped in two mines in Hualien, adding urgency to the rescue operations. Furthermore, over 91,000 households are grappling with power cuts, amplifying the difficulties faced by residents in the aftermath of the disaster.
Despite the widespread destruction, medical facilities in Taiwan’s capital, Taipei City, are functioning, albeit damaged. The Municipal Government has confirmed that hospitals are operating normally, providing critical care to the injured.
The international community has responded swiftly to the catastrophe, with the Biden administration monitoring the situation closely and expressing readiness to offer assistance. In the face of adversity, Taiwan is rallying its resources and resilience, demonstrating solidarity and resolve in confronting this natural disaster.
As the dust settles and the extent of the damage becomes clearer, questions arise about the effectiveness of early warning detection systems in mitigating the impact of natural disasters. Despite Taiwan’s investment in advanced seismic technology, including early warning systems designed to provide crucial seconds of alert before an earthquake strikes, many residents were caught off guard by the sudden and violent tremors. Reports indicate that the early warning detection system, while operational, did not reach a significant portion of the population in time to take preventive action
Pool News
Patent Pending Apple Watch SOS Feature Could Prevent Drownings
![Patent Pending Apple Watch SOS Feature Could Prevent Drownings](https://www.poolmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/apple-watch-sos-drowning-prevention.jpg)
A forthcoming feature potentially destined for the Apple Watch, as detailed in a recent patent application, could serve as a lifesaver for swimmers at risk of drowning.
Outlined in the patent is a capability for the Watch to identify “irregular behavior” and automatically trigger a distress call for assistance.
Apple underscores the alarming statistics surrounding drowning, particularly its prevalence among children, as a leading cause of accidental fatalities.
In the United States alone, drowning claims the lives of over 3,500 individuals annually, ranking as the fifth most common form of accidental death. Tragically, a significant portion of these victims are children.
Emphasizing the critical importance of swift intervention during water emergencies, Apple highlights the dire consequences of prolonged submersion without resuscitation, which can result in brain damage and ultimately, drowning.
A Growing Need For Cost-Effective Wearable Solutions
While acknowledging existing underwater camera systems in some swimming pools aimed at detecting distressed swimmers and alerting lifeguards, Apple notes their costliness and unreliability.
Consequently, there’s a pressing need for a simpler, more cost-effective drowning prevention solution suitable for all types of water bodies, including public and private pools, as well as natural settings like lakes and ponds where installing underwater cameras is impractical.
The patent proposes leveraging wearable devices such as the Apple Watch for broader applicability, increased reliability, and the ability to detect various types of emergencies.
Alerting When Swimmers Are In Distress
For instance, if the Watch detects a wearer who is not proficient in swimming entering deeper water, it can promptly dispatch an alert instead of waiting for signs of distress.
These alerts can be transmitted to nearby devices, including those of friends and family, and seamlessly integrate with existing drowning detection and alarm systems to ensure lifeguards are promptly notified.
Apple Watches already boast capabilities to detect and respond to falls, vehicle accidents, and cardiac irregularities. Heartwarming testimonials featured in Apple’s “Dear Apple” video series show individuals whose lives were saved by these functionalities.
As with many patents from Apple, it’s important to note that not all concepts may materialize into actual products. Nonetheless, this innovation stands as a promising addition for potential integration into future watchOS updates.
-
Pool News4 weeks ago
Landslide Damages Homes, Destroys Swimming Pool in California
-
Manufacturer2 weeks ago
SRS Distribution Announces Next Phase of Growth by Combining with The Home Depot to Better Serve Professional Customers
-
Pool News4 weeks ago
Fluidra Launches €20 Million Venture Capital Fund – Fluidra Ventures
-
Cleaning and Service Equipment and Supplies2 weeks ago
Recent Leslie’s/Harris Poll Study Shows Nearly Three-Quarters of Americans Mistakenly Assume Clear Pool Water Is Clean, Swim-Safe Water
-
Manufacturer4 weeks ago
BofA Downgrades Latham Group Citing Weak Pool Construction Market
-
Pool News2 weeks ago
Hotel Pool Had Numerous Violations in Case Where 8-Year-Old Was Pulled Into Pipe
-
Pool News5 days ago
Earthquake in Taiwan Causes Waterfall From Rooftop Pool
-
Equipment Supplies3 weeks ago
FWP Faces Class Action Lawsuit Stemming From 2023 Cyberattack