The LockBit ransomware group, with its LockBit 3.Zero encryptor, was probably the most outstanding and damaging group within the cybercrime group final yr, a brand new report has claimed. 

Trustwave’s “yr in overview” lookback claims LockBit 3.Zero saved its standing as probably the most notorious ransomware (opens in new tab) participant because of excessive funds that recruit skilled malicious actors, fixed buying of recent exploits, in addition to a bug bounty program that gives high-paying bounties, which is allegedly a primary for a ransomware group.

“With all these applications and the continued effectiveness of the group, it’s forecasted that (LockBit) will stay probably the most energetic and efficient group for the foreseeable future,” Trustwave says.

New ransomware variations

2022 noticed the group additionally launch LockBit 3.0, the newest model of its ransomware, which sported quite a few new options reminiscent of automated permission elevation, Home windows Defender disabling, a “protected mode” to work round antivirus options, and a multi-encryption system that lowers the possibilities of a third-party offering a working decryptor.

Consequently, the researchers declare virtually half (44%) of all profitable ransomware assaults final yr had been achieved utilizing LockBit.

Different main teams that had been wreaking havoc throughout the cyberworld in 2022 embrace BlackBasta (for which the researchers suspect sturdy ties with as soon as leaders, Conti), Hive (whose affiliate mannequin earned it the title “most spectacular ransomware operator”), and BlackCat (AKA ALPHV). 

Roughly a tenth (9%) of all ransomware assaults reported in Q3 2022 had been allegedly carried out utilizing Hive, with an extra 6.5% falling on BlackCat.

Going ahead, the researchers don’t assume ransomware will likely be going away any time quickly. The common value of an assault ranged between $570,000 and $812,360 per Cloudally’s figures, making it among the many most profitable, and thus hottest, assault vectors. 

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