Ransomware Rises in 2023 Despite Law Enforcement Efforts
Google-owned Mandiant reported that despite the large-scale takedowns of ransomware groups like ALPHV, ransomware posts on data leak sites continued to rise by 75% in 2023 compared to 2022.
A Chainalysis report reinforces the Mandiant data, stating that $1B was paid to ransomware attackers in 2023.
EU Law Enforcement Reveals Individuals Linked to Malware Distribution
As part of ‘Operation Endgame’, law enforcement agencies in 13 countries, with support from the Europol revealed the identities of 8 individuals linked to the distribution and admin of infostealers and malware.
The perpetrators were seen distributing and operating illicitly run malware, including Bumblebee, IcedID, Pikabot, Smokeloader, SystemBC, and Trickbot. Information on the 8 individuals can be found here.
Law Enforcement Ramp-Up Efforts to Capture ‘Emotet’ Mastermind
The law enforcement agencies behind Operation Endgame are seeking information about Odd, who is allegedly behind the ‘Emotet’ malware.
Initially a banking trojan, the ‘Emotet’ malware evolved into a tool that delivers an array of payloads, including TrickBot, IcedID, QakBot, and others.
