May 7, 2024 at 11:19AM
After years of mystery, law enforcement has named the kingpin of the LockBit ransomware operation as Dmitry Yuryevich Khoroshev. This identificfation is an important step in Operation Cronos’s efforts to disrupt LockBit. Khoroshev offered a $10 million reward to keep his identity secret, but authorities have now revealed it and sanctioned him.
Based on the meeting notes, here are the key takeaways:
1. The kingpin of the LockBit ransomware operation, Dmitry Yuryevich Khoroshev, has been officially named by law enforcement, marking a significant development in Operation Cronos’s efforts to disrupt and dismantle the LockBit ransomware operation.
2. Khoroshev’s true identity had been closely guarded for years, and the revelation of his identity represents a major blow to LockBit’s operations.
3. Law enforcement has added Khoroshev to sanctions lists, indicating a concerted effort to combat cybercriminals behind the LockBit ransomware group.
4. The National Crime Agency (NCA) has led Operation Cronos and emphasized the importance of these sanctions in the fight against cybercriminals.
5. Khoroshev, also known as LockBitSupp, has been targeted with sanctions and a $10 million reward from the US for information leading to his arrest and/or conviction.
6. Operation Cronos has disrupted LockBit’s operations, causing a significant reduction in the number of attacks and affiliates associated with the group.
7. Despite attempts by Khoroshev to rebuild the operation, LockBit remains significantly disrupted, with reduced global threat and diminished capacity.
8. The NCA has found that the average number of monthly LockBit attacks has reduced by 73 percent in the UK since the action in February, with other countries also reporting reductions.
9. UK security minister Tom Tugendhat emphasized the message to cybercriminals that they cannot hide and will face justice.
These key takeaways illustrate the impact of Operation Cronos’s efforts in disrupting the LockBit ransomware operation and targeting its leader, Dmitry Yuryevich Khoroshev.