BlackByte Ransomware Group Have An Update

BlackByte ransomware hackers are returning to criminal operations with a new 2.0 version that comes with a new data leak site using new extortion tactics that they borrowed from LockBit. 

After a brief disappearance, the ransomware operation is now promoting a new data leak site on hacker forums and through Twitter accounts the threat actor controls. 

The hackers are referring to their new operation as BlackByte version 2.0. and while it is not clear if the ransomware encryptor has changed as well, the gang has launched a brand new data leak site to be found on the Dark Web, accessible using the anonymous Tor browser.

Like other ransomware specialists, BlackByte targets its victim’s files by applying encryption to them. After that, BlackByte victims typically receive a ransom note on their computer screen, which says that they have to pay a ransom in order to have their files decrypted. Right now, the data leak site includes only one victim, but Blackbyte have a new extortion 'ratecard'. Victims can pay to extend the publishing of their data by 24 hours ($5,000), download the data ($200,000), or destroy all the data ($300,000).

The goal of these new extortion techniques is to allow the victim to pay to remove their data and for other threat actors to purchase it if they wish. LockBit introduced these same extortion tactics with the release of their 3.0 version. 

However, there is a flaw in the BlackBytes implementation discovered by researchers at threat intelligence firm KELA. BlackByte's  data leak site is not correctly embedding the Bitcoin and Monero addresses that victims must use to purchase or delete the data, rendering these new features currently inoperable.

BlackByte's ransomware operation launched in the summer of 2021 when they began hacking corporate networks to steal data and encrypt devices. Their highest-profile attack was against a US NFL football team. A joint advisory from the FBI and US Secret Service says they were also responsible for attacks on critical infrastructure sectors, including government facilities, financial, and food & agriculture.

BlackByte are known to breach networks by identifying and exploiting vulnerabilities and have in the past attacked Microsoft Exchange servers using the ProxyShell attack chain.  In 2021, a flaw in the operation was found that allowed a free BlackByte decryptor, to be created. Unfortunately, after the weakness was reported, the threat actors fixed the flaw.

CISA:    Heimdal Security:      Unit42 / Palo Alto:        Bleeping Computer:      Data Breaches:       KELA

 Cybersecurity News:   

You Might Also Read: 

CISA & ACSC Name 2021’s Top Malware:
 

 

« Technology To Combat Human Trafficking
Xiaomi Phone Bug Enables Theft »

CyberSecurity Jobsite
Perimeter 81

Directory of Suppliers

Jooble

Jooble

Jooble is a job search aggregator operating in 71 countries worldwide. We simplify the job search process by displaying active job ads from major job boards and career sites across the internet.

CSI Consulting Services

CSI Consulting Services

Get Advice From The Experts: * Training * Penetration Testing * Data Governance * GDPR Compliance. Connecting you to the best in the business.

Clayden Law

Clayden Law

Clayden Law are experts in information technology, data privacy and cybersecurity law.

ZenGRC

ZenGRC

ZenGRC - the first, easy-to-use, enterprise-grade information security solution for compliance and risk management - offers businesses efficient control tracking, testing, and enforcement.

Resecurity, Inc.

Resecurity, Inc.

Resecurity is a cybersecurity company that delivers a unified platform for endpoint protection, risk management, and cyber threat intelligence.

RSA Security

RSA Security

RSA provide cybersecurity products for Threat Detection and Response, Identity and Access Management, Governance, Risk and Compliance, and Fraud Prevention.

GovCERT.CZ

GovCERT.CZ

GovCERT.CZ is the Government Computer Emergency Response Team of the Czech Republic.

Skkynet Cloud Systems

Skkynet Cloud Systems

Skkynet is a leader in real-time data systems for the secure management and control of industrial processes (SCADA) and embedded devices (M2M).

Adlink Technology

Adlink Technology

ADLINK is a leading provider of embedded computing products and services for applications including IoT and industrial automation.

Sysdig

Sysdig

With Sysdig teams find and prioritize software vulnerabilities, detect and respond to threats, and manage cloud configurations, permissions and compliance.

NEARBY

NEARBY

NEARBY is a cyber security consulting firm and solutions provider offering a range of products an services including Managed Security Service (CyberFortress), Security Assessments and Training.

NetSecurity

NetSecurity

NetSecurity is a Brazilian company specializing in Information Security. We provide Managed Security Services (MSS), network security solutions and other specialist services.

Cohesity

Cohesity

Cohesity radically simplifies the way businesses back up, manage, protect, and extract value from their data—in the data center, at the edge, and in the cloud.

Fortego

Fortego

Fortego was formed to fill a niche need for highly specialized technical analysts and developers focused on current cyber warfare techniques and technologies.

Polaris Infosec

Polaris Infosec

Polaris Web Presence Protection (WPP) is powered by our proprietary artificial intelligence and machine learning engine to ensure that attacks are stopped before they affect your business.

Seknox

Seknox

Seknox TRASA™ protects your business from insider threats.

Anthony Timbers LLC

Anthony Timbers LLC

Anthony Timbers is a cybersecurity consulting and penetration testing firm providing services to the Federal and Commercial sectors nationwide.

Firmus

Firmus

As the leading penetration testing services provider in Malaysia, Firmus evaluates the ability of your internal or external information assets to withstand attacks.

Moore ClearComm

Moore ClearComm

Moore ClearComm is part of Moore Kingston Smith a leading UK firm of accountants and business advisers. Our services include Data Privacy, Cyber Security, Business Continuity and Information Security.

American Technology Services (ATS)

American Technology Services (ATS)

American Technology Services provides unparalleled services in information technology to support small and mid-sized business. From top-level strategy, to managed services and infrastructure support.

Buzz Cybersecurity

Buzz Cybersecurity

Buzz Cybersecurity systems and services are designed to proactively guard against common and uncommon cyber threats.