Global authorities dismantle largest ransomware gang ever
OAN’s James Meyers
11:07 AM – Tuesday, February 20, 2024
A combined global effort from international law enforcement agencies has disrupted one of the most destructive strains of ransomware in history.
Agencies from the United States, United Kingdom and 12 other countries took apart Lockbit’s infrastructure and replaced its dark web site with a list of agency press releases and resources for victims.
Lockbit is ransomware that cyber criminals frequently use to attack American hospitals and schools.
The takedown of Lockbit is considered one of the largest cybercrime takedowns to date.
Brett Leatherman, deputy assistant director of the FBI Cyber Division, said in a press conference on Tuesday that the historic takedown was “several years in the making.”
The takedown was called “Operation Cronos,” and law enforcement agencies arrested two LockBit members in Poland and Ukraine, destroyed 34 data servers and froze over 200 cryptocurrency accounts, according to Europol.
Additionally, four of those servers were in the U.S., according to Leatherman.
Meanwhile, the announcement comes after authorities already replaced LockBit’s dark-web leak site, which the hacking group publicly lists its victims who have not paid their ransom fee to unlock their systems.
“We’ll continue gathering evidence, building out our map of LockBit developers, administrators, and affiliates, and using that knowledge to drive arrests, seizures, and other operations, whether by the FBI or our partners here and abroad,” Leatherman said on the investigation.
Furthermore, law enforcement has created a decryption tool that victims of LockBit can use to unlock their systems without paying a ransom. The tool is available in 37 languages and has helped over 6 million people globally, Europol said.
Ransomware has become a major problem across the world, with victims sending their attackers a record $1 billion last year.
However, ransomware gangs are known for being able to rebuild and rebrand after being caught by law enforcement.
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What are some of the ways in which Operation Cronos disrupted the infrastructure and operations of LockBit
CkBit can use to unlock their systems without paying the ransom. The tool is available on the FBI’s website, as well as on the websites of other participating law enforcement agencies.
LockBit ransomware gained notoriety for its sophisticated encryption methods and its targeting of critical infrastructure, including hospitals and schools. It has caused significant disruptions and financial losses for organizations around the world.
Operation Cronos was a collaborative effort between law enforcement agencies from the United States, the United Kingdom, and 12 other countries. The operation involved extensive coordination and cooperation between agencies to gather evidence, track down the members of LockBit, and dismantle their infrastructure.
The two arrests made in Poland and Ukraine are significant milestones in the investigation. These individuals are believed to be high-ranking members of the ransomware group and were responsible for the development and administration of LockBit.
The destruction of 34 data servers and the freezing of over 200 cryptocurrency accounts have dealt a significant blow to LockBit’s operations. By disrupting their infrastructure, law enforcement agencies have hindered the group’s ability to carry out further attacks.
It is worth noting that four of the destroyed servers were located in the United States, indicating the global reach of LockBit. This highlights the importance of international cooperation in combating cybercrime.
The replacement of LockBit’s dark web leak site is also a significant development. This site served as a platform for the group to publicly shame and pressure their victims into paying the ransom. By taking over the site and replacing it with agency press releases and resources for victims, law enforcement has disrupted LockBit’s operations and provided support for those affected by the ransomware.
Operation Cronos demonstrates the commitment of law enforcement agencies to combatting cybercrime and protecting individuals and organizations from the devastating effects of ransomware attacks. It also underscores the importance of collaboration and information sharing between agencies on a global scale.
Brett Leatherman, deputy assistant director of the FBI Cyber Division, emphasized the ongoing efforts to gather evidence and target not only the developers and administrators of LockBit but also its affiliates. This demonstrates a sustained commitment to pursuing justice and disrupting the operations of cybercriminals.
Law enforcement’s creation of a decryption tool for LockBit victims is a significant development. It provides an alternative to paying the ransom and empowers victims to regain access to their systems without supporting the criminal activities of the ransomware group.
Operation Cronos serves as a reminder that no organization or individual is alone in the fight against cybercrime. The collaboration between law enforcement agencies and the development of tools and resources to counter ransomware attacks are crucial steps in protecting society from the ever-evolving threat of cybercriminals.
As technology continues to advance, it is essential for law enforcement agencies to stay ahead of cybercriminals and work together to dismantle their operations. Operation Cronos is a prime example of the success that can be achieved through international cooperation and a united effort to combat cybercrime.
The takedown of LockBit is a significant win in the ongoing battle against ransomware, but it is by no means the end. Law enforcement agencies and cybersecurity experts must remain vigilant and proactive in their efforts to protect individuals and organizations from the devastating consequences of such attacks.
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