Security News > 2021 > January > Authorities Seize Dark-Web Site Linked to the Netwalker Ransomware

U.S. and Bulgarian authorities this week took control of the dark web site used by the NetWalker ransomware cybercrime group to publish data stolen from its victims.

Separately, the Bulgarian National Investigation Service and General Directorate Combating Organized Crime seized a dark web hidden resource used by NetWalker ransomware affiliates - i.e., cybercrime groups responsible for identifying and attacking high-value victims using the ransomware - to provide payment instructions and communicate with victims.

Chainalysis, which aided in the investigation, said it has "Traced more than $46 million worth of funds in NetWalker ransoms since it first came on the scene in August 2019," adding "It picked up steam in mid-2020, growing the average ransom to $65,000 last year, up from $18,800 in 2019.".

In recent months, Netwalker emerged as a popular choice of ransomware strain besides Ryuk, Maze, Doppelpaymer, and Sodinokibi, with numerous companies, municipalities, hospitals, schools, and universities targeted by the cybercriminals to extort victims.

The NetWalker operators have also been part of a growing ransomware trend called double extortion, where the attackers hold the stolen data hostage and threaten to publish the information should the target refuse to pay the ransom.

The NetWalker disruption comes on the same day that European authorities announced a coordinated takedown targeting the Emotet crimeware-as-a-service network.

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