Seeing Machines: Exclusive: Aussie tech firm Seeing Machines confirms potential cyber security incident

Qilin Ransomware Gang Claims Seeing Machines as Latest Victim

The Qilin ransomware gang has listed Australian technology firm Seeing Machines as a victim on its darknet leaksite, a claim the company has acknowledged. The breach was first posted on March 31, though the extent of the compromise remains unclear Qilin’s listing includes only the company’s name, with no further details or leaked data disclosed. Since the post went live, it has been viewed over 7,200 times.

Seeing Machines confirmed awareness of the incident, stating it is investigating the claim as a priority while maintaining normal operations. The company has implemented enhanced monitoring systems and is collaborating with authorities and cybersecurity experts to assess the situation. No additional evidence of compromise has been identified at this stage.

About Qilin

First detected in August 2022, Qilin has emerged as one of the most active ransomware groups, claiming 1,669 victims to date. Over the past three months, it has outpaced competitors, listing 368 victims in 2026 alone nearly double the 193 attributed to its closest rival, Akira. Operating as a Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS) group, Qilin recruits affiliates via the Russian-speaking forum RAMP, where access reportedly costs up to $500 in Bitcoin.

Despite its prolific activity, Qilin’s tactics have drawn skepticism. Some security researchers suggest the group may rely more on extortion via exposed databases than traditional ransomware encryption, though its leaked data has proven legitimate in past cases.

About Seeing Machines

Founded in 2000 as a spin-off from the Australian National University in partnership with Volvo Technological Development, Seeing Machines specializes in AI-driven vision technology to reduce transport fatalities. Its systems are deployed across aviation, automotive, and public transport, with clients including Qantas, Daimler, Emirates, and Transport for London. The company operates globally, with offices in Australia, the U.S., Europe, and Asia.

Source: https://www.cyberdaily.au/security/13433-exclusive-aussie-tech-firm-seeing-machines-confirms-qilin-ransomware-attack

Seeing Machines cybersecurity rating report: https://www.rankiteo.com/company/seeingmachines

"id": "SEE1775622455",
"linkid": "seeingmachines",
"type": "Ransomware",
"date": "3/2026",
"severity": "100",
"impact": "5",
"explanation": "Attack threatening the organization's existence"

{'affected_entities': [{'industry': 'AI-driven vision technology, '
                                    'Transportation',
                        'location': 'Australia (Global operations: U.S., '
                                    'Europe, Asia)',
                        'name': 'Seeing Machines',
                        'type': 'Technology Firm'}],
 'date_detected': '2024-03-31',
 'date_publicly_disclosed': '2024-03-31',
 'description': 'The Qilin ransomware gang has listed Australian technology '
                'firm Seeing Machines as a victim on its darknet leaksite. The '
                'breach was first posted on March 31, though the extent of the '
                'compromise remains unclear. Seeing Machines confirmed '
                'awareness of the incident and is investigating the claim as a '
                'priority while maintaining normal operations.',
 'investigation_status': 'Ongoing',
 'motivation': 'Extortion',
 'ransomware': {'ransomware_strain': 'Qilin'},
 'references': [{'source': 'Qilin darknet leaksite'}],
 'response': {'enhanced_monitoring': 'Yes',
              'law_enforcement_notified': 'Yes',
              'third_party_assistance': 'Cybersecurity experts'},
 'threat_actor': 'Qilin ransomware gang',
 'title': 'Qilin Ransomware Gang Claims Seeing Machines as Latest Victim',
 'type': 'Ransomware'}