Cybersecurity
Top Ransomware Gangs In Disarray After Health Care, Georgia Hack
- LockBit and BlackCat thrived using ransomware as service model
- Law enforcement seized websites belong to both hacking groups
The BlackCat and LockBit groups have thrived by embracing a ransomware-as-a-service model.
Photographer: Joe Raedle/Getty ImagesThis article is for subscribers only.
Two of the most notorious ransomware gangs in the world are imploding, leaving high-profile victims in their wake and creating chaos in the cybercriminal underworld.
In the last several years, the BlackCat and LockBit groups have thrived by embracing a ransomware-as-a-service model, leasing their malware to affiliate hackers to target thousands of victims and reap millions in extortion payments. The future of both groups is uncertain after US and authorities elsewhere seized LockBit and BlackCat websites, arrested alleged hackers and taunted the leader of one gang.