Ransomware Group Lockbit Appears to Have Been Hacked, Analysts Say

A shocking turn of events has been reported in the world of ransomware, as experts believe that one of the most prolific cyber extortion gangs, Lockbit, has been hacked.

The revelation came when one of Lockbit's darkweb sites was replaced with a message saying, "Don't do crime CRIME IS BAD xoxo from Prague" and a link to an apparent cache of leaked data. According to security analysts, the leaked material appears to be authentic, capturing chats between hackers and their victims, among other things.

The Implications of the Hack

Jon DiMaggio, the chief security strategist with the cybersecurity company Analyst1, described the hack as an embarrassment for Lockbit. "I think it will hurt them and slow them down," he said. Christiaan Beek, senior director of threat analytics at cybersecurity firm Rapid7, agreed that the leak looks really authentic.

"It's legit," said DiMaggio about the leaked data. He noted that the material shows Lockbit's hackers hustling even for modest payouts from small businesses. "They attack everyone," he said.

A Gang That Has Survived Past Disruptions

Lockbit is one of the world's most prolific cyber extortion gangs, with a reputation for surviving past disruptions and continuing to operate with relative impunity. Last year, British and U.S. officials worked with a coalition of international law enforcement agencies to seize some of the gang's infrastructure.

A few days later, Lockbit defiantly announced that it was back online, saying, "I cannot be stopped." However, this latest hack suggests that even the most hardened cyber gangs are not immune to the risks associated with their own operations.

The Leaked Data

The leaked data appears to include chats between Lockbit's hackers and their victims, as well as other sensitive information. Reuters could not immediately verify the authenticity of the data, but other experts who have reviewed it confirm that it looks legitimate.

"I was struck by how it shows Lockbit's hackers hustling even for modest payouts from small businesses," said Beek. "They attack everyone." The leaked material provides a unique insight into the inner workings of one of the world's most notorious cyber gangs.

The Future of Lockbit

It is unclear at this time who was behind the hack that exposed Lockbit's data, or what the motivations were for leaking the information. However, experts agree that the leak will have significant consequences for the gang.

"I think it will hurt them and slow them down," said DiMaggio about the implications of the hack. As one of the most prolific cyber extortion gangs, Lockbit's survival has been a concern for organizations around the world. The latest development suggests that even this hardened gang may be vulnerable to disruption.

The Importance of Data Leaks

Data leaks like this serve as a reminder of the risks associated with operating in the dark web and engaging in illicit activities. They also highlight the importance of cybersecurity measures for organizations and individuals alike.

"It's legit," said DiMaggio about the leaked data. "It shows that even small businesses can be targeted by Lockbit's hackers." The leak is a wake-up call for organizations to review their cybersecurity protocols and take steps to protect themselves from potential attacks.