A message on LockBit’s site said law envorcement agencies had taken it over
AFP
UK and US law enforcement have successfully disrupted the Russian-linked ransomware group LockBit, which has caused billions of dollars in damage and extracted millions in ransoms from victims. The operation, known as Operation Cronos, involved agencies from 11 countries and resulted in the seizure of LockBit’s infrastructure and decryption keys, allowing victims to recover their systems.
LockBit’s website, which facilitated cyber attacks and ransom payments, was taken over by law enforcement, rendering the group ineffective. The US Justice Department confirmed that control of LockBit’s public-facing websites and servers had been seized, and the UK’s National Crime Agency obtained over 1,000 decryption keys to help victims recover their data.
LockBit has been responsible for 25% of all cyber attacks in the past year, targeting over 2,000 victims and receiving more than $120 million in ransom payments. The group’s victims have included major companies and institutions such as Britain’s Royal Mail, US aircraft manufacturer Boeing, and a Canadian children’s hospital.
LockBit is part of a “ransomware as a service” business model, which allows criminals to lease ransomware software and methods to extort money from victims. The group’s activities have been linked to Russian nationals, and the US has charged five individuals in connection with LockBit, imposing sanctions on affiliates involved in ransomware attacks.
While a large concentration of cyber criminals are in Russia, law enforcement agencies have not seen direct support for LockBit from the Russian state, indicating a tolerance for cyber criminality within the country.
2024-02-25 05:00:04
Article from www.ibtimes.com