An operation led by the United States and the United Kingdom has shaken up the Lockbit crime empire. Its platform has notably come under the control of the authorities.
When we talk about ransomware, it’s hard to miss Lockbit. This group of hackers is behind numerous attacks across the planet, whether against institutes such as hospitals or economic giants like TSMC. By each time stealing the data of its victims, which it only returns for a ransom, Lockbit has succeeded over time in extorting very high sums. But the group, present on the web since 2019, has finally suffered a big blow from the authorities.
An international operation against Lockbit
It’s finally here! After several years of impunity, the famous Lockbit group finally had to take a step back. The fault lies with an international police operation led by the United States and the United Kingdom, which made it possible to seize the group’s infrastructure.
As a result, visitors to the Lockbit site can now read this message at the entrance: “ this site is now under the control of the United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency, which works closely with the FBI and the international law enforcement task force, “Operation Cronos”. »
A spokesperson for the United States Department of Justice and a second for the British National Crime Agency both confirmed the operation. ReutersMoreover ” still ongoing and developing. »
Lokcbit has wreaked havoc around the world
The blow to Lockbit is all the more significant as this group specializes in making its ransomware available to other hackers, who in return pay it a commission on the profits from their attacks. “ They’re the Walmart of ransomware groups, running them like a business – that’s what sets them apart » explains cybersecurity specialist Jon DiMaggio to Reuters. In his opinion, Lockbit is “ arguably the largest ransomware team today. »
For its part, the Russian-speaking group wanted to reassure its partners, and explained in a message sent via encrypted messaging that it still had backup servers. He also sent them an email during the night to inform them of the situation, give them security advice, and remind them that they can contact their “customer service” for any request for additional information!
Source : Reuters, The Parisian
4