The UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA) announced a major breakthrough today in their investigation into the notorious LockBit ransomware gang.
After infiltrating LockBit’s network and seizing control of their infrastructure, the NCA revealed they had identified the group’s leader, known by the online alias “LockBitSupp.”
For years, LockBitSupp’s real identity remained a mystery as he carefully concealed his name and location while communicating on cybercrime forums. However, in a statement, NCA Director General Graeme Biggar said they now know where LockBitSupp lives, his net worth, and that he has “engaged with law enforcement” in the past.
The NCA’s infiltration dealt a crippling blow to LockBit’s criminal enterprise. In the last 4 years, LockBit has been one of the most prolific ransomware gangs, responsible for 44% of all global ransomware incidents in early 2023.
Their attacks impacted thousands of victims worldwide, including approximately 1,700 in the US alone, extorting over $91 million in ransom payments.
As part of the takedown, codenamed Operation Cronos, the NCA seized LockBit’s source code, decryption keys, and a trove of data from their servers that is now being used to further expose the gang’s operations and affiliates.
The NCA has taken over LockBit’s dark web leak site to post daily updates with this intelligence.
While the NCA has not yet publicly named LockBitSupp, their ability to gather personal details on the once-anonymous criminal mastermind sends a powerful message. “Our work does not stop here,” Biggar warned, vowing further action against LockBit and its affiliates.
The NCA’s breakthrough, assisted by the FBI and law enforcement from 9 other countries, marks a significant victory in the ongoing battle against the global ransomware epidemic.
However, with LockBit’s affiliates still at large, organizations worldwide must remain vigilant in securing their networks against the ever-evolving ransomware threat.
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Source: cybersecuritynews.com