Cyberattack paralyzes Fidelity National Financial

Group has claimed responsibility for the attack

By Mika Pangilinan

Nov 28, 2023 Share

A cyberattack has brought down the systems of Fidelity National Financial (FNF), causing service disruptions since last week.

The company, which is billed as the largest title insurance provider in North America, confirmed in a statement that the attack has “impacted certain FNF systems,” including its title-related services, mortgage transaction services, and the technology it provides to the real estate and mortgage industries.

A report filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) also confirmed that FNF has tapped “leading experts” to investigate the incident.

“Based on our investigation to date, FNF has determined that an unauthorized third party accessed certain FNF systems and acquired certain credentials,” the company’s SEC filing stated.

While the type of attack has not yet been specified, ransomware group Alphv/BlackCat has reportedly taken responsibility for the incident. According to cybersecurity news site Security Week, the group added FNF to its leak blog.

“Before disclosing whether or whether we have [not] collected any data, we will allow FNF further time to get in touch,” the group said in a post about the attack. “Wouldn't want to disclose every card at this early stage.”

Clients feel impact of cyberattack

With FNF’s systems remaining inaccessible, clients engaged with the company find themselves grappling with uncertainty, unsure of the attack’s implications and the appropriate course of action.

In an interview with TechCruch, a woman who recently sold property through an intermediary owned by FNF said she has not been able to connect with anyone at the company.

“I feel like I'm getting the runaround,” the woman said. “I don't even know where my money is at.”

TechCruch made attempts to contact FNF but was met with an automated message outlining how the company is “still experiencing a system-wide outage.”

“We do not have access to send or receive email or access to any system,” the message continued. “We appreciate your patience.”

FNF’s website remains inaccessible in the wake of the cyberattack.

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