LONDON, UK – In a surprising turn of events, law enforcement agencies have apparently taken control of an online site operated by the notorious criminal group, LockBit. The group is known for organizing ransomware cyber attacks and selling services that allow individuals to compromise computer networks and hold their data for ransom.
A message appeared on LockBit’s website on Monday evening, stating that the site is now under the control of the National Crime Agency of the UK, in collaboration with the FBI and an international law enforcement task force known as ‘Operation Cronos.’ The message also indicated that the operation is ongoing and directed visitors to return for more information at a specific time the following day.
The operation was a joint effort by Britain’s National Crime Agency, the US Federal Bureau of Investigation, Europol, and other international police agencies. These law enforcement bodies have been tracking LockBit due to its involvement in high profile hacking incidents and its role as the most deployed ransomware variant across the world in 2022 and 2023.
In fact, the UK’s National Cyber Security Centre, along with partner agencies in the US, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, and New Zealand, has previously issued a warning regarding the persistent threat posed by LockBit. The group and its affiliates have been known to make money by stealing sensitive data and threatening to leak it unless their victims pay a ransom.
LockBit’s presence was first detected in 2020 when its software surfaced on Russian language forums, leading some analysts to believe the group is based in Russia. Additionally, the group has been involved in high profile hackings, including an attack on the UK’s Royal Mail in early 2023. Such actions have drawn the attention of law enforcement agencies around the world, leading to the collaborative effort to take control of LockBit’s website.
As ransomware attacks continue to pose a significant threat to individuals and organizations globally, the takedown of LockBit’s website serves as a significant development in the ongoing battle against cybercrime. The international cooperation among law enforcement agencies also highlights the importance of collective efforts to combat such criminal activities on a global scale.