Since March 2023, Akira ransomware has impacted a wide range of businesses and critical infrastructure entities in North America, Europe, and Australia. In April 2023, following an initial focus on Windows systems, Akira threat actors deployed a Linux variant targeting VMware ESXi virtual machines.
As of January 1, 2024, the ransomware group has impacted over 250 organizations and claimed approximately $42 million USD in ransomware proceeds. Early versions of the Akira ransomware variant were written in C++ and encrypted files with a .akira extension; however, beginning in August 2023, some Akira attacks began deploying Megazord, using Rust-based code which encrypts files with a .powerranges extension.
Read more…
Source: U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation Cyber Division
Related:
- Malawi: Cyber-attack hits immigration service
February 22, 2024
Malawi’s government has suspended the issuing of passports following a cyber-attack on the immigration service’s computer network. President Lazarus Chakwera told MPs that the targeting of the department amounted to a “serious national security breach”. He revealed that the hackers were asking for a ransom. But the president said the government would not give in to ...
- Europol: Tips & advice to prevent ransomware from infecting your electronic devices
February 21, 2024
Ransomware is a type of malware that locks your computer and mobile devices or encrypts your electronic files, demanding a ransom payment through certain online payment methods (and by an established deadline) in order to regain control of your data. It can be downloaded through fake application updates or by visiting compromised websites. It can also ...
- Sharp rise in cyber attacks at UK law firms as hackers eye sensitive data
February 21, 2024
The number of reported cyber attacks on UK law firms has increased 36 per cent over the past year. According to data by speciality reinsurance group Chaucer, there were 166 reported cyber breaches in 2021/22, this number jumped to 226 for 2022/23 (as of 30 September). Chaucer says that the large number of attacks against law ...
- Law enforcement disrupt world’s biggest ransomware operation
February 20, 2024
In a significant breakthrough in the fight against cybercrime, law enforcement from 10 countries have disrupted the criminal operation of the LockBit ransomware group at every level, severely damaging their capability and credibility. LockBit is widely recognised as the world’s most prolific and harmful ransomware, causing billions of euros worth of damage. This international sweep follows ...
- ALPHV ransomware says it was behind attacks on loanDepot, Prudential Financial
February 19, 2024
The infamous ALPHV ransomware operator (also known as BlackCat) has added two companies to its data leak site – Prudential Financial, and loanDepot, in a seeming admission it was behind the attacks on both companies. So far, the group has only added the names to its site, with the actual data not yet available. Apparently, the ...
- Alpha Ransomware Emerges From NetWalker Ashes
February 16, 2024
Alpha, a new ransomware that first appeared in February 2023 and stepped up its operations in recent weeks, has strong similarities to the long-defunct NetWalker ransomware, which disappeared in January 2021 following an international law enforcement operation. The NetWalker Connection Analysis of Alpha reveals significant similarities with the old NetWalker ransomware. Both threats use a similar ...