The US Department of Justice disrupted the Blackcat ransomware group, also known as ALPHV or Noberus, hackers who have targeted over 1,000 computer networks and extorted millions of dollars from victims, according to Bloomberg. The agency developed a decryption tool that has helped over 500 Blackcat victims recover their data, saving more than $68 million in ransom payments. It also gained visibility into the group’s computer network and seized several of its websites, as per DOJ Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco.
The DOJ’s Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri warned that the recent announcement is only part of an ongoing effort and that they will continue investigating and pursuing those behind Blackcat until they are brought to justice. Last month, Blackcat affiliates reportedly reported a hacked company to the SEC for not reporting their infiltration. Additionally, the developers and attackers behind Blackcat split the profits generated from the ransomware software, which affiliates deploy to carry out attacks on high-value targets. This has included hacks on MGM Resorts, Caesars Entertainment, Reddit, as well as various other entities in the US and Europe. The DOJ will continue disrupting the group and placing victims at the core of their strategy to dismantle the cybercrime ecosystem.
