Attack alert: play targets Security ONE Alarm Systems - US

Introduction

On December 20, 2025, the ransomware group play claimed responsibility for a cyberattack against Security ONE Alarm Systems, an American company specializing in alarm and security systems. This breach, classified as SIGNAL level by our XC-Classify protocol, exposes particularly critical data in a sector where trust is the very foundation of the business. Founded in 1995 with 50 to 100 employees and estimated revenue of between $5 and $10 million, this organization holds highly sensitive information: security codes, access to customer homes, and residential and commercial alarm configurations. The incident occurs in a context where malicious actors are increasingly targeting security service companies, transforming their protection systems into vectors of vulnerability.

The true extent of this intrusion is still being analyzed, but the very nature of the potentially compromised data raises major concerns. The information held by Security ONE Alarm Systems is not limited to standard administrative files: it includes elements enabling physical access to customer properties, alarm system configurations, and potentially monitoring schedules. This physical dimension of the digital compromise distinguishes this incident from traditional data leaks and multiplies the risks for those affected.

Analyse détaillée

Play's claim of responsibility on its darknet leak site comes recently, confirming once again the double extortion strategy characteristic of this cybercriminal group. This tactic combines system encryption with the threat of publishing the exfiltrated data, maximizing the pressure on victims. For Security ONE Alarm Systems, the stakes go far beyond the technical recovery of systems: it is the very trust of its customers that is compromised, in a sector where reputation is the most valuable asset.

Play represents one of the most active and sophisticated ransomware threats in today's cybercriminal ecosystem. This malicious group operates using a particularly aggressive double extortion model, systematically exfiltrating large volumes of data before encrypting compromised systems. Active for several years, this group has demonstrated a constant capacity for adaptation, refining its intrusion techniques and diversifying its geographic and sectoral targets.

Play's modus operandi revolves around several distinct phases. Initial access is generally gained through the exploitation of vulnerabilities on exposed servers, targeted phishing campaigns, or the compromise of privileged accounts. Once the network is infiltrated, the attackers deploy reconnaissance tools to map the infrastructure, identify sensitive data, and locate backups. The exfiltration phase systematically precedes encryption, giving the group additional leverage even if the victim manages to restore their systems.

Play's previous victims span a broad industry spectrum, including manufacturing companies, healthcare organizations, financial institutions, and now security service providers. This diversification reflects an opportunistic approach that prioritizes targets with an exploitable attack surface rather than sector specialization. The group maintains a leak site on the dark web where the data of victims who refuse to negotiate is progressively published, creating considerable time and reputational pressure.

Play's technical infrastructure reveals a high level of professionalism. The ransomware itself uses robust encryption algorithms, making data recovery without a decryption key technically impossible. Communications with victims are conducted via encrypted channels, and ransom demands are typically made in cryptocurrencies to preserve the anonymity of the operators. This operational sophistication places Play among the major players in the contemporary ransomware threat landscape.

Security ONE Alarm Systems embodies the model of the American family business specializing in residential and commercial security. Founded in 1995, this organization has built its reputation on three decades of service in an industry where reliability and discretion are paramount. With a staff of 50 to 100 employees and estimated annual revenue of $5 million to $10 million, the company is a significant regional player in the alarm systems market.

Security ONE Alarm Systems' core business is the installation, maintenance, and monitoring of security systems for a diverse clientele of individuals and businesses. This dual focus involves managing large volumes of sensitive information: detailed customer contact information, floor plans, alarm access codes, monitoring system configurations, activation and deactivation schedules, emergency contacts, and potentially video recordings. The very nature of this data makes it a particularly attractive target for malicious actors.

Located in the United States, Security ONE Alarm Systems is subject to a complex regulatory framework encompassing both federal and state laws. Data protection obligations vary depending on the country where a company operates, but the compromise of security codes and physical access points raises potentially serious civil and criminal liability issues. The security services sector is also subject to specific certifications and accreditations, the revocation of which would pose an existential risk to the organization.

The impact of this breach on Security ONE Alarm Systems extends far beyond the technical considerations of system restoration. Every client who entrusted the security of their home or business to this organization must now consider the possibility that their access codes, alarm configurations, and potentially even their presence patterns may have been exfiltrated. This physical dimension of the digital breach transforms a data leak into a tangible threat to the personal and financial security of those affected.

The SIGNAL level classification by our XC-Classify protocol indicates a detected data exposure, but its extent and criticality are still undergoing thorough assessment. This intermediate level on our criticality scale suggests that information has indeed been compromised, although the total volume or maximum sensitivity of the exfiltrated files has not yet been fully characterized. The ongoing technical analysis aims to determine precisely which data categories have been affected and how many customers are potentially impacted.

The information available at this stage nevertheless allows us to identify several risk categories. Customer data is the primary concern: names, addresses, telephone numbers, billing information, and emergency contact details represent the minimum information held by any security service provider. The compromise of this personal information exposes customers to risks of targeted phishing, identity theft, and fraudulent solicitations that exploit the established relationship of trust with Security ONE Alarm Systems.

The most critical aspect, however, concerns technical and operational data. Access codes to alarm systems, detection configurations, installation plans, and activation schedules constitute information that could potentially be used to disable installed security devices. If this data is among the exfiltrated files, each customer must consider a complete system reset, involving costs, disruption, and a period of increased vulnerability during reconfiguration. The precise timeline of the intrusion is still being established, but the claim of December 20, 2025, suggests a recent compromise, possibly occurring in the preceding weeks.

Conclusion

Analysis of available metadata and characteristic attack patterns allows us to formulate hypotheses about the initial intrusion vector. Mid-sized companies like Security ONE Alarm Systems often have hybrid attack surfaces combining legacy systems and modernized infrastructure, creating exploitable security friction points. Remote access for technicians, online customer portals, and centralized monitoring systems all represent potential entry points for a determined actor with extensive reconnaissance capabilities.