UK water giant admits attackers broke into system as gang holds it to ransom

Southern Water was targeted by the Black Basta ransomware group which claims to have exfiltrated ~750 GB of data, publishing sample files such as passport and driving license scans, HR/customer personal data, and corporate car-leasing documents; the gang threatened a full exposure if a ransom is not paid. Southern Water reports services are operating normally, an independent investigation is ongoing, and UK regulators including the ICO have been notified.