The Department of Justice launches a coordinated International law enforcement action against dark websites used by NetWalker ransomware operators.
The Department of Justice launches a coordinated International law enforcement action against dark websites used by NetWalker ransomware operators.
NetWalker ransomware began operating in late 2019, impacting victims including hospitals, companies, emergency services, school districts, universities and colleges.
“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."
“The action has been taken in coordination with the United States Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Florida and the Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section of the Department of Justice, with substantial assistance from the Bulgarian National Investigation Service and General Directorate Combating Organized Crime," reads the website seizure notice.
According to the seizure notice, the takedown was operated by the US DOJ, Bulgarian National Investigation Service, the FBI and Bulgaria’s General Directorate Combating Organized Crime.
As the FBI has not released any information on the takedown, it is still unclear if law enforcement could regain decryption keys as part of this operation or if any arrests have been made.
“This case illustrates the FBI’s capabilities and global partnerships in tracking ransomware attackers, unmasking them, and holding them accountable for their alleged criminal actions,” said Michael F. McPherson Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Tampa Field Office.
Some of the victims targeted by NetWalker include K-electric, Argentina’s official immigration agency and the University of California San Francisco.
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