FBI's Battle with Ransomware Gang: Seizures, Threats, and Unseizures
The FBI engaged in a back-and-forth battle with the ransomware group AlphV after seizing the group's dark-web site and disrupting its operations. The FBI released a software tool to help victims restore their systems, but AlphV claimed that the disruption would prevent data belonging to 3,000 additional victims from being decrypted. The FBI and AlphV exchanged control of the dark-web site, with each party replacing the other's notices. AlphV has now removed restrictions on affiliates, allowing them to target hospitals and critical infrastructure, except in the Commonwealth of Independent States. The ongoing struggle highlights the challenges of law enforcement in dealing with ransomware groups operating on the dark web.
- AlphV ransomware site is “seized” by the FBI. Then it's “unseized.” And so on. Ars Technica
- Ransomware gang 'unseizes' its site and issues new threats after FBI takedown The Verge
- BlackCat Ransomware Raises Ante After FBI Disruption – Krebs on Security Krebs on Security
- Government operation wounds big-time ransomware gang - The Washington Post The Washington Post
- US and allies seize website of prolific Russian speaking-ransomware gang, unlock victims’ computers CNN
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