The Week in Ransomware - September 23rd 2022 - LockBit leak
This week we saw some embarrassment for the LockBit ransomware operation when their programmer leaked a ransomware builder for the LockBit 3.0 encryptor. [...]
LockBit is a ransomware operation covered through reported incidents, technical analysis, disruption efforts, and guidance to defend systems and data.
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Background for this topic.
LockBit is a ransomware family and associated cybercrime operation—not an unrelated product or project—that has been reported in attacks where malware encrypts files on compromised systems and disrupts access. Coverage under this tag includes technical analysis of LockBit variants, reported incidents, infrastructure or law-enforcement disruption, and claims about stolen data or extortion; individual reports may differ in what is verified.
For defenders, the material risks are rapid encryption across reachable systems and possible exposure of data taken before encryption. Priorities include promptly addressing internet-facing vulnerabilities and exposed credentials, restricting lateral movement with segmentation and least privilege, and maintaining tested offline or otherwise isolated backups. Monitor for suspicious administrative activity and mass file changes, preserve logs and affected systems for investigation, and use threat intelligence on LockBit indicators to support containment. A suspected incident requires coordinated isolation, recovery, and assessment of privacy or regulatory obligations rather than assuming that paying restores systems or prevents disclosure.
This week we saw some embarrassment for the LockBit ransomware operation when their programmer leaked a ransomware builder for the LockBit 3.0 encryptor. [...]
Code could allow other attackers to develop copycat versions of the malware, but it could help researchers understand the threat better as well.
The LockBit ransomware operation has suffered a breach, with an allegedly disgruntled developer leaking the builder for the gang's newest encryptor. [...]