Security News > 2021 > January > Netwalker ransomware dark web sites seized by law enforcement
The dark web websites associated with the Netwalker ransomware operation have been seized by law enforcement from the USA and Bulgaria.
Netwalker is a Ransomware-as-a-Service operation that began operating in late 2019, where affiliates are enlisted to distribute the ransomware and infect victims in return for a 60-75% share of ransom payments.
Today, the Netwalker ransomware Tor payment and data leak sites were seized by law enforcement and now display a seizure notice from the FBI and Bulgarian law enforcement.
"This hidden site has been seized by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, as part of a coordinated law enforcement action taken against the NetWalker Ransomware."
With Netwalker being one of the most active ransomware families currently operating, access to decryption keys could allow many victims to recover their files for free.
The recovery of decryption keys would also be a massive win for law enforcement as ransomware operations have been remarkably resistant to disruption.
News URL
Related news
- Ransomware as a Service and the Strange Economics of the Dark Web (source)
- Cheap ransomware for sale on dark web marketplaces is changing the way hackers operate (source)
- Dark Web Monitoring: What's the Value? (source)
- Ransomware activity is back on track despite law enforcement efforts (source)
- 97% of organizations hit by ransomware turn to law enforcement (source)
- Dell customer order database of '49M records' stolen, now up for sale on dark web (source)
- What Is the Dark Web? (source)