December 19, 2023 at 11:45AM
The U.S. Justice Department disrupted the BlackCat ransomware, issuing a decryption tool for victims. With FBI’s help, a confidential source breached the gang’s web panel. BlackCat, a major ransomware variant, operated a ransomware-as-a-service model and used double extortion. The action saved victims $68 million, dismantled the gang’s computer network, and prevented further illegal activities.
Key Takeaways from the meeting notes:
– The U.S. Justice Department has disrupted the BlackCat ransomware operation and released a decryption tool for victims.
– The FBI enlisted a confidential human source to act as an affiliate for BlackCat, allowing them to gain access and dismantle the gang’s operations.
– The disruption saved victims from $68 million in ransom demands and allowed for the collection of key pairs used to host the TOR sites operated by the group.
– BlackCat is the second most prolific ransomware-as-a-service variant in the world and employs a double extortion scheme.
– Affiliates gain access to victim networks through various methods, including leveraging compromised user credentials.
– The financially motivated actor is estimated to have compromised the networks of more than 1,000 victims globally.
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