Massive attack on a global Russian network of blackmailing hackers. Meanwhile, the trail of a cyber attack on the municipality of Korneuburg (Lower Austria) also leads to the Kremlin. Lockbit in particular is considered a very dangerous computer crime group.
As reported, the computers of the municipality just outside Vienna have recently been virtually paralyzed. Even funerals were stopped because it was not possible to apply for government documents. However, the data has been backed up and the system is slowly starting up again. As cyber specialists have been able to determine, traces on the Internet lead to Putin in the Kremlin. The Russia-based hacker group Lockbit is believed to be behind the professional attack.
Authorities have hacked a hacker group
Behind this is a globally active group of Internet extortionists who encrypt data with malware and only release it after a ransom has been paid or sell it with the click of a mouse. But this time the hackers themselves were hacked in ‘Operation Cronos’. The American federal police FBI, in collaboration with international and European authorities – in Austria the Federal Criminal Police and the Directorate for State Security and Counterterrorism (DSN) were also involved – succeeded in taking over the cyber criminals’ website.
Lockbit and the infamous hacker group APT 28 (the acronym stands for ‘Advanced Persistent Threat’), which is also controlled by Moscow, have been very active in recent years and especially since the start of the war in Ukraine. In addition to German government agencies and hospitals, the computer networks of major foreign companies have also been attacked or infiltrated in large numbers. Because data is the new gold. In addition to political destabilization, you can also make a fortune with it. In America alone, at least 1,700 organizations are said to have fallen victim since 2020.
Russian cyber attack also on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Four years ago, the domestic Foreign Ministry was also in the crosshairs of Putin’s army of hackers. Technicians and the internet criminals waged fierce cyber battles for weeks until the attack could be repelled
“With their ransomware, these attackers encrypt the computers of thousands of companies and organizations around the world,” warns cybersecurity expert Dr. Cornelis Granig. Insidious Method: The people behind it have built a strong presence on the Darknet and also rent their malware to other criminals with whom they share the revenue. Everyone involved remains anonymous – so that the perpetrators cannot identify with each other.
Reputable company on the infamous Darknet
According to Granig, Lockbit behaves like a company to the outside world and even has an unnamed press spokesperson. Unapologetically advertising: “No laws apply to us, we work on the dark web. Everyone can do what they want there.”
But how does ransomware work? “Phishing emails” are used to steal computer system credentials when users carelessly click on links and reveal information. This allows the attackers to gain access to foreign networks and steal data. They then encrypt the systems they control and demand ransoms in cryptocurrencies to unlock them.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
