The British National Crime Agency (NCA) announced that the work of “the world’s most harmful cyber-criminal group” was successfully disrupted as part of an international operation, the target of which was an organization specializing in harmful programs “LockBit”.
Director of the NCA Graeme Biggar said that the agency successfully intervened and hindered the work of the organization that last year carried out an attack on the British Post Office and a children’s hospital in Canada.
“We have successfully hacked the hackers. We have taken control of their infrastructure,” emphasized Biggar, who noted that during the past year, LockBiT was responsible for 25 percent of all hacking intrusions in the world.
“LockBit” was targeted by a task force called “Operation Kronos” in which the NCA participates in cooperation with the United States (U.S.) Federal Bureau of Investigation and agencies from nine other countries.
Two nights ago, the authorities took control of the “LockBit” website, which sells services that enable hacking and hold data for ransom.
There is a noticeable message on the page stating that it is “now under the control of law and order forces”.
Acting Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicole Argentieri said LockBit has targeted more than 2,000 victims worldwide, including the United Kingdom (UK) and the U.S., and received more than $120 million in ransoms.
