Elliptic has linked the activity to ransomware group REvil, with which DarkSide has close ties, being hacked and forced offline by a U.S. government-led operation.
The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), the U.S. government’s financial crimes watchdog, said payments tied to ransomware attacks in 2021 are already exceeding 2020′s total, with more than $590 million in the first half of this year outstripping a 2020 total of $416 million.
The effort involved an organized strike by representatives from the French National Gendarmerie, the Ukrainian National Police and the FBI, coordinated by Europol and Interpol.
The U.S. Treasury Department added Russia-based crypto exchange Suex.io to its list of specially designated nationals (SDNs) for its alleged role in facilitating cryptocurrency transactions for ransomware attackers. Labeled a “specially designated national,” Suex.io is in a category with suspected terrorists.
The U.S. government plans to issue guidance and impose sanctions to clamp down on ransomware attacks. The U.S. Treasury Department is expected to announce the actions this week, focusing on payments.
The Biden administration is planning an array of actions to mitigate ransomware attacks, focusing on payments. This week, the U.S. Treasury Department plans to unveil sanctions and guidance to tackle cryptocurrency payments made to phone companies that have been victims of ransomware attacks. CoinDesk’s Nikhilesh De discusses what to expect.
A new study of a ransomware attack by blockchain analytics firm Elliptic reveals the dialogue between the attacker and the victim, including live chat support, a negotiated discount, and a surcharge for paying in bitcoin. “The Hash” team examines the details outlined by Elliptic, sharing cybersecurity tips on how to prevent being hacked.
U.S. President Joe Biden is accusing the Chinese government of supporting cyberattacks, including ransomware, cryptojacking, digital extortion, and theft. CoinDesk’s Nikhilesh De discusses the allegations as the White House ramps up its anti-ransomware efforts. Plus, his take on the U.S. Presidential Advisory Group’s meeting on stablecoins Monday.