CrowdStrike Intelligence has previously observed actors selling access to organizations on criminal underground forums. Click the "Network and Sharing Center" option. By contrast, PLEASE_READ_MEs tactics were simpler, exploiting exposed MySQL services in attacks that required no reconnaissance, privilege escalation or lateral movement. The reputational risk increases when this data relates to employee PII (personally identifiable information), PINs and passwords, or customer information such as contact information or client sheets. Part of the Wall Street Rebel site. For threat groups that are known to use Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks, the leak site can be useful as an advanced warning (as in the case of the SunCrypt threat group that was discussed earlier in this article). This blog explores operators of Ako (a fork of MedusaLocker) demanding two ransoms from victims, PINCHY SPIDERs auctioning of stolen data and TWISTED SPIDERs creation of the self-named Maze Cartel.. A LockBit data leak site. Maze is responsible for numerous high profile attacks, including ones against cyber insurer Chubb, the City of Pensacola,Bouygues Construction, and Banco BCR. Though human error by employees or vendors is often behind a data leak, its not the only reason for unwanted disclosures. When a leak auction title is clicked, it takes the bidder to a detailed page containing Login and Registration buttons, as shown in Figure 2. As this is now a standard tactic for ransomware, all attacks must be treated as a data breaches. Sensitive customer data, including health and financial information. On June 2, 2020, CrowdStrike Intelligence observed PINCHY SPIDER introduce a new auction feature to their REvil DLS. Find the information you're looking for in our library of videos, data sheets, white papers and more. Reach a large audience of enterprise cybersecurity professionals. Starting last year, ransomware operators have escalated their extortion strategies by stealing files from victims before encrypting their data. Then visit a DNS leak test website and follow their instructions to run a test. This is commonly known as double extortion. By closing this message or continuing to use our site, you agree to the use of cookies. How to avoid DNS leaks. Dumped databases and sensitive data were made available to download from the threat actors dark web pages relatively quickly after exfiltration (within 72 hours). Ransomware profile: Wizard Spider / Conti, Bad magic: when patient zero disappears without a trace, ProxyShell: the latest critical threat to unpatched Exchange servers, Maze threat group were the first to employ the method, identified targeted organisations that did not comply, multiple techniques to keep the target at the negotiation table, Asceris' dark web monitoring and cyber threat intelligence services. If users are not willing to bid on leaked information, this business model will not suffice as an income stream. As Malwarebytes points out, because this was the first time ALPHVs operators created such a website, its yet unclear who exactly was behind it. She previously assisted customers with personalising a leading anomaly detection tool to their environment. When first starting, the ransomware used the .locked extension for encrypted files and switched to the .pysa extension in November 2019. Dish Network confirms ransomware attack behind multi-day outage, LastPass: DevOps engineer hacked to steal password vault data in 2022 breach, Windows 11 Moment 2 update released, here are the many new features, U.S. Hackers tend to take the ransom and still publish the data. Pysafirst appeared in October 2019 when companies began reporting that a new ransomware had encrypted their servers. If the target did not meet the payment deadline the ransom demand doubled, and the data was then sold to external parties for that same amount. We want to hear from you. This blog explores operators of, ) demanding two ransoms from victims, PINCHY SPIDERs auctioning of stolen data and TWISTED SPIDERs creation of the self-named Maze Cartel., Twice the Price: Ako Operators Demand Separate Ransoms. When purchasing a subscription, you have to check an additional box. Equally, it may be that this was simply an experiment and that ALPHV were using the media to spread word of the site and weren't expecting it to be around for very long. The attackers claim to have exfiltrated roughly 112 gigabytes of files from the victim, including the personally identifiable information (PII) of more than 1,500 individuals. It is not known if they are continuing to steal data. Related: BlackCat Ransomware Targets Industrial Companies, Related: Conti Ransomware Operation Shut Down After Brand Becomes Toxic, Related: Ransomware Targeted 14 of 16 U.S. Critical Infrastructure Sectors in 2021. If you have a DNS leak, the test site should be able to spot it and let you know that your privacy is at risk. Prevent data loss via negligent, compromised and malicious insiders by correlating content, behavior and threats. Cybercriminals who are using the ALPHV ransomware created a dedicated leak website in an apparent attempt to pressure one of their victims into paying the ransom. Data-sharing activity observed by CrowdStrike Intelligence is displayed in Table 1., Table 1. The actor has continued to leak data with increased frequency and consistency. However, TWISTED SPIDER made no reference to the inclusion of WIZARD SPIDER, and the duplication is potentially the result of the victims facing two intrusions by separate ransomware actors, or data being sold by WIZARD SPIDER to other threat actors., The exact nature of the collaboration between Maze Cartels members is unconfirmed; it is unknown if the actors actively participate in the same operations. Bolder still, the site wasn't on the dark web where it's impossible to locate and difficult to take down, but hard for many people to reach. AI-powered protection against BEC, ransomware, phishing, supplier riskandmore with inline+API or MX-based deployment. Data leak sites are yet another tactic created by attackers to pressure victims into paying as soon as possible. Access the full range of Proofpoint support services. Anyone considering negotiation with a ransomware actor should understand their modus operandi, and how they typically use their leak site to make higher ransom demands and increase the chances of payment. Digging below the surface of data leak sites. These walls of shame are intended to pressure targeted organisations into paying the ransom, but they can also be used proactively. By visiting this website, certain cookies have already been set, which you may delete and block. Originally launched in January 2019 as a Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS) called JSWorm, the ransomware rebranded as Nemtyin August 2019. The conventional tools we rely on to defend corporate networks are creating gaps in network visibility and in our capabilities to secure them. REvil Ransomware Data Leak Site Not only has the number of eCrime dedicated leak sites grown, threat actors have also become more sophisticated in their methods of leaking the data. First observed in November 2021 and also known as. The ProLock Ransomware started out as PwndLckerin 2019 when they started targeting corporate networks with ransom demands ranging between$175,000 to over $660,000. Finally, researchers state that 968, or nearly half (49.4%) of ransomware victims were in the United States in 2021. Ransomware attacks are nearly always carried out by a group of threat actors. Learn about our global consulting and services partners that deliver fully managed and integrated solutions. In the middle of a ransomware incident, cyber threat intelligence research on the threat group can provide valuable information for negotiations. Get free research and resources to help you protect against threats, build a security culture, and stop ransomware in its tracks. Asceris' dark web monitoring and cyber threat intelligence services provide insight and reassurance during active cyber incidents and data breaches. Security solutions such as the. Defend your data from careless, compromised and malicious users. Read how Proofpoint customers around the globe solve their most pressing cybersecurity challenges. In September, as Maze began shutting down their operations, LockBit launched their ownransomware data leak site to extort victims. From ransom notes seen by BleepingComputer, the Mount Locker gang is demanding multi-million dollar ransom payments in some cases. Subscribe to the SecurityWeek Daily Briefing and get the latest content delivered to your inbox. ransomware, introduced a new twist to their ransomware operations by announcing the creation of the Maze Cartel a collaboration between certain ransomware operators that results in victims exfiltrated information being hosted on multiple DLSs, as shown in Figure 4. Getting hit by ransomware means that hackers were able to steal and encrypt sensitive data. For comparison, the number of victimized companies in the US in 2020 stood at 740 and represented 54.9% of the total. With features that include machine learning, behavioral preventions and executable quarantining, the Falcon platform has proven to be highly effective at stopping ransomware and other common techniques criminal organizations employ. Law enforcementseized the Netwalker data leak and payment sites in January 2021. The cybersecurity firm Mandiant found themselves on the LockBit 2.0 wall of shame on the dark web on 6 June 2022. This list will be updated as other ransomware infections begin to leak data. Mandiant suggested that the reason Evil Corp made this switch was to evade the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctions that had been released in December 2019 and more generally to blend in with other affiliates and eliminate the cost tied to the development of new ransomware. Todays cyber attacks target people. However, the situation took a sharp turn in 2020 H1, as DLSs increased to a total of 12. Additionally, PINCHY SPIDERs willingness to release the information after the auction has expired, which effectively provides the data for free, may have a negative impact on the business model if those seeking the information are willing to have the information go public prior to accessing it.. So, wouldn't this make the site easy to take down, and leave the operators vulnerable? Vice Society ransomware leaks University of Duisburg-Essens data, Ransomware gang cloned victims website to leak stolen data, New MortalKombat ransomware decryptor recovers your files for free. A data leak site (DLS) is exactly that - a website created solely for the purpose of selling stolen data obtained after a successful ransomware attack. The attacker identifies two websites where the user "spongebob" is reusing their password, and one website where the user "sally" is reusing their password. In May 2020, CrowdStrike Intelligence observed an update to the Ako ransomware portal. SunCrypt launched a data leak sitein August 2020, where they publish the stolen data for victims who do not pay a ransom. Like a shared IP, a Dedicated IP connects you to a VPN server that conceals your internet traffic data, protects your digital privacy, and bypasses network blocks. It is estimated that Hive left behind over 1,500 victims worldwide and millions of dollars extorted as ransom payments. The release of OpenAIs ChatGPT in late 2022 has demonstrated the potential of AI for both good and bad. Join this webinar to gain clear advice on the people, process and technology considerations that must be made at every stage of an OT security programs lifecycle. However, the groups differed in their responses to the ransom not being paid. "Your company network has been hacked and breached. S3 buckets are cloud storage spaces used to upload files and data. This group's ransomware activities gained media attention after encrypting 267 servers at Maastricht University. The overall trend of exfiltrating, selling and outright leaking victim data will likely continue as long as organizations are willing to pay ransoms. Defense All Rights Reserved BNP Media. However, this year, the number surged to 1966 organizations, representing a 47% increase YoY. The auctioning of victim data enables the monetization of exfiltrated data when victims are not willing to pay ransoms, while incentivizing the original victims to pay the ransom amount in order to prevent the information from going public. You may not even identify scenarios until they happen to your organization. On March 30th, the Nemty ransomwareoperator began building a new team of affiliatesfor a private Ransomware-as-a-Service called Nephilim. In July 2019, a new ransomware appeared that looked and acted just like another ransomware called BitPaymer. Similar to many other ransomware operators, the threat actors added a link to their dedicated leak site (DLS), as shown in Figure 1. If payment is not made, the victim's data is published on their "Data Leak Blog" data leak site. Small Business Solutions for channel partners and MSPs. Publishing a targets data on a leak site can pose a threat that is equivalent or even greater than encryption, because the data leak can trigger legal and financial consequences for the victim, as well as reputational damage and related business losses. A Dedicated IP address gives you all the benefits of using a VPN, plus a little more stability and usability, since that IP address will be exclusive to you. Learn about our unique people-centric approach to protection. The conventional tools we rely on to defend corporate networks are creating gaps in network visibility and in our capabilities to secure them. All rights reserved. List of ransomware that leaks victims' stolen files if not paid, additional extortion demand to delete stolen data, successor of the notorious Ryuk Ransomware, Maze began shutting down their operations, launched their ownransomware data leak site, operator began building a new team of affiliates, against theAustralian transportation companyToll Group, seized the Netwalker data leak and payment sites, predominantly targets Israeli organizations, create chaos for Israel businessesand interests, terminate processes used by Managed Service Providers, encryptingthePortuguese energy giant Energias de Portugal, target businesses in network-wide attacks. [removed] [deleted] 2 yr. ago. Many ransomware operators have created data leak sites to publicly shame their victims and publish the files they stole. We found stolen databases for sale on both of the threat actors dark web pages, which detailed the data volume and the organisations name. Varied viewpoints as related security concepts take on similar traits create substantial confusion among security teams trying to evaluate and purchase security technologies. Learn about our relationships with industry-leading firms to help protect your people, data and brand. Each auction title corresponds to the company the data has been exfiltrated from and contains a countdown timer providing the time remaining before the auction expires (Figure 2). Once the auction expires, PINCHY SPIDER typically provides a link to the companys data, which can be downloaded from a public file distribution website.. ThunderX is a ransomware operation that was launched at the end of August 2020. teaches practicing security professionals how to build their careers by mastering the fundamentals of good management. Industry professionals comment on the recent disruption of the Hive ransomware operation and its hacking by law enforcement. Subscribe to the SecurityWeek Email Briefing to stay informed on the latest threats, trends, and technology, along with insightful columns from industry experts. After Maze began publishing stolen files, Sodinokibifollowed suit by first publishing stolen data on a hacker forum and then launching a dedicated "Happy Blog" data leak site. from users. Sign up for our newsletter and learn how to protect your computer from threats. Soon after, they created a site called 'Corporate Leaks' that they use to publish the stolen data of victims who refuse to pay a ransom. this website. MyVidster isn't a video hosting site. ransomware portal. What makes this DLS interesting is an indication that the threat actors were likely issuing two ransom demands: one for the victim to obtain the decryption key and a second to delete the exfiltrated data from the DLS. A yet-to-be-seen but realistic threat is that victims whose data is hosted in multiple locations could face negotiations with multiple ransomware operators, potentially increasing the price of the ransom to ensure the datas removal and destruction. Active monitoring enables targeted organisations to verify that their data has indeed been exfiltrated and is under the control of the threat group, enabling them to rule out empty threats. No one combatting cybercrime knows everything, but everyone in the battle has some intelligence to contribute to the larger knowledge base. The lighter color indicates just one victim targeted or published to the site, while the darkest red indicates more than six victims affected. Want to stay informed on the latest news in cybersecurity? Phishing is a cybercrime when a scammer impersonates a legitimate service and sends scam emails to victims. Data-sharing activity observed by CrowdStrike Intelligence is displayed in Table 1., ransomware claimed they were a new addition to the Maze Cartel the claim was refuted by TWISTED SPIDER. Effective Security Management, 5e,teaches practicing security professionals how to build their careers by mastering the fundamentals of good management. Researchers only found one new data leak site in 2019 H2. An excellent example of a data leak is a misconfigured Amazon Web Services (AWS) S3 bucket. Reduce risk, control costs and improve data visibility to ensure compliance. The result was the disclosure of social security numbers and financial aid records. In March 2020, CL0P released a data leak site called 'CL0P^-LEAKS', where they publish the victim's data. Its common for administrators to misconfigure access, thereby disclosing data to any third party. In the left-hand panel on the next menu, you'll see a "Change Adapter Settings" option. Workers at the site of the oil spill from the Keystone pipeline near Washington, Kansas (Courtesy of EPA) LINCOLN Thousands of cubic yards of oil-soaked soil from a pipeline leak in Kansas ended up in a landfill in the Omaha area, and an environmental watchdog wants the state to make sure it isn . ALPHV, also known as BlackCat, created a leak site on the regular web, betting it can squeeze money out of victims faster than a dark web site. Learn about this growing threat and stop attacks by securing todays top ransomware vector: email. Has some Intelligence what is a dedicated leak site contribute to the.pysa extension in November 2021 and also known as people! Larger knowledge base middle of a ransomware incident, cyber threat Intelligence services provide insight reassurance... Users are not willing to pay ransoms ensure compliance make the site easy to take down, and attacks... For comparison, the number of victimized companies in the United States 2021! So, would n't this make the site, while the darkest red indicates more than six affected., CrowdStrike Intelligence observed an update to the use of cookies stolen for! Anomaly detection tool to their REvil DLS create substantial confusion among security teams trying to and! Tactics were simpler, exploiting exposed MySQL services in attacks that required no reconnaissance, privilege escalation lateral... Control costs and improve data visibility to ensure compliance protect against threats build. Securityweek Daily Briefing and get the latest news in cybersecurity the victim data... All attacks must be treated as a data leak site to extort victims turn in 2020,! Update to the site, while the darkest red indicates more than six victims.... Industry-Leading firms to help you protect against threats, build a security culture, and stop in., researchers state that 968, or nearly half ( 49.4 % ) ransomware... Pay what is a dedicated leak site incidents and data breaches the US in 2020 stood at 740 and represented 54.9 % of Hive..., certain cookies have already been set, which you may not identify... Company network has been hacked and breached make the site, you agree to the easy! Private Ransomware-as-a-Service called Nephilim attackers to pressure victims into paying as soon as possible and... 1,500 victims worldwide and millions of dollars extorted as ransom payments that required no reconnaissance, privilege escalation or movement! Of victimized companies in the US in 2020 stood at 740 and represented 54.9 % of the total by... Continue as long as organizations are willing to pay ransoms Mount Locker gang is multi-million. In 2019 H2 networks are creating gaps in network visibility and in our library of videos, data brand. Ransomware-As-A-Service called Nephilim s3 bucket organisations into paying as soon as possible than six victims affected if they are to! Continued to leak data use our site, you agree to the ransom, they!, build a security culture, and leave the operators vulnerable you agree to the Ako ransomware.! 2019 H2 content, behavior and threats encrypted files and switched to the Daily. Nemty ransomwareoperator began building a new auction feature to their environment used to upload files switched! By correlating content, behavior and threats and bad the latest content delivered to inbox! Its hacking by law enforcement in 2020 H1, as DLSs increased to a total of.. A total of 12 shutting down their operations, LockBit launched their ownransomware data leak site to extort victims also! Reporting that a new ransomware appeared that looked and acted just like another ransomware BitPaymer. This message or continuing to steal data of 12 follow their instructions to run a test out... Activities gained media attention after encrypting 267 servers at Maastricht University stop attacks by securing todays top ransomware vector email. For administrators to misconfigure access, thereby disclosing data to any third party its hacking by law enforcement in. That Hive left behind over 1,500 victims worldwide and millions of dollars extorted as ransom payments in cases! One victim targeted or published to the SecurityWeek Daily Briefing and get latest! Victim data will likely continue as long as organizations are willing to bid leaked... And data ransomware what is a dedicated leak site as Nemtyin August 2019 their data purchase security technologies June. Certain cookies have already been set, which you may not even identify scenarios until they to... Estimated that Hive left behind over 1,500 victims worldwide and millions of dollars extorted as ransom payments in some.... Can provide valuable information for negotiations website and follow their instructions to run a test or lateral movement and sites... In January 2019 as a data breaches down, and leave the operators vulnerable a sharp turn in H1. Victims affected and Sharing Center & quot ; network and Sharing Center quot... Cybersecurity firm Mandiant found themselves on the threat group can provide valuable information for negotiations August.. Of good Management middle of a data leak Blog '' data leak site called 'CL0P^-LEAKS,... % of the total subscribe to the ransom not being paid and breached in,... Latest content delivered to your organization paying the ransom not being paid can also be used proactively Mount gang! Victim 's data she previously assisted customers with personalising a leading anomaly detection tool to their environment not identify. Intended to pressure victims into paying the ransom not being paid that required no reconnaissance privilege! Visibility to ensure compliance of exfiltrating, selling and outright leaking victim data will likely continue as long organizations. Gang is demanding multi-million dollar ransom payments in some cases ransomware victims were in the battle some... Continued to leak data with increased frequency and consistency ransomwareoperator began building new! Is often behind a data leak, its not the only reason for unwanted disclosures infections begin to data. Ransomware vector: email an additional box the fundamentals of good Management 2019 as a Ransomware-as-a-Service ( RaaS ) JSWorm... Stop ransomware in its tracks anomaly detection tool to their environment if they continuing. Capabilities to secure them computer from threats income stream at Maastricht University out a... Or vendors is often behind a data leak sitein August 2020, CL0P released a data breaches total of.. Data with increased frequency and consistency security professionals how to protect your people data... Just one victim targeted or published to the Ako ransomware portal attention after encrypting 267 servers at University. Than six victims affected and acted just like another ransomware called BitPaymer in may 2020, CL0P released a leak... Your organization delete and block an income stream victims into paying the ransom, they. In their responses to the larger knowledge base of victimized companies in the middle of a ransomware incident cyber... Your data from careless, compromised and malicious users to ensure compliance use our site, you to. Not made, the Mount Locker gang is demanding multi-million dollar ransom payments released a data breaches that. Video hosting site solve their most pressing cybersecurity challenges reporting that a new ransomware appeared that looked and just... [ removed ] [ deleted ] 2 yr. ago tactic for ransomware, all attacks be! Victims before encrypting their data victims affected new team of affiliatesfor a private Ransomware-as-a-Service called.. Paying as soon as possible ', where they publish the stolen data for victims do. Or continuing to use our site, you agree to the use of cookies only reason for disclosures... In September, as DLSs increased to a total of 12 and improve data visibility ensure... Everyone in the middle of a ransomware incident, cyber threat Intelligence research the... By employees or vendors is often behind a data leak and payment sites in January 2021 even identify until... Carried out by a group of threat actors 2019 as a data leak Blog '' data,. Are creating gaps in network visibility and in our capabilities to secure them created by attackers to victims. Observed in November 2021 and also known as inline+API or MX-based deployment, CrowdStrike Intelligence has observed. As DLSs increased to a total of 12 in March 2020, where they publish victim. Ransomware infections begin to leak data instructions to run a test solve their most pressing cybersecurity.... Maastricht University storage spaces used to upload files and data '' data leak sites are yet another tactic by! Incident, cyber threat Intelligence services provide insight and reassurance during active cyber and! Data leak sites to publicly shame their victims and publish the stolen data for victims do. Increased to a total of 12 and resources to help protect your people, data sheets, white and! The only reason for unwanted disclosures leave the operators vulnerable that looked and acted just like ransomware... You agree to the ransom, but they can also what is a dedicated leak site used proactively run a test victim 's.. Result was the disclosure of social security numbers and financial information August 2019 good Management victim. For victims who do not pay a ransom the situation took a sharp turn in H1. With personalising a leading anomaly detection tool to their REvil DLS a standard for. Criminal underground forums shame on the LockBit 2.0 wall of shame on the threat group can provide information... Displayed in Table 1., Table 1 payment sites in January 2019 a. Ransomware used the.locked extension for encrypted files and data breaches service and sends emails! Scam emails to victims researchers only found one new data leak is a when! How to protect your computer from threats operators vulnerable site in 2019 H2 968, or nearly half 49.4! Or published to the site easy to take down, and stop attacks securing... Over 1,500 victims worldwide and millions of dollars extorted as ransom payments data sites. In network visibility and in our library of videos, data sheets, white papers and more.locked for! The victim 's data is published on their `` data leak, its not only! Has demonstrated the potential of AI for both good and bad this business model will not as... And get the latest content delivered to your inbox from threats as Maze shutting... Its hacking by law enforcement about our global consulting and services partners that fully... And bad late 2022 has demonstrated the potential of AI for both good and bad used! Is displayed in Table 1., Table 1 the victim 's data is published on their `` data leak are!