5 Most Notorious Russian Cyber Criminal Groups
Russian ransomware gangs have become notorious for their involvement in high-profile cyberattacks around the world. These groups are often highly sophisticated and use advanced hacking techniques to infiltrate computer systems and steal sensitive information, which they then use to extort money from their victims.
Some of the most well-known Russian ransomware gangs include:
#1 Revil ransomware gang
REvil group is responsible for several high-profile attacks, including the 2021 ransomware attack on JBS, one of the world’s largest meat producers. REvil is also believed to be responsible for the 2021 ransomware attack on software provider Kaseya. REvil, also known as Sodinokibi, is a notorious Russian ransomware gang that has been responsible for numerous high-profile cyberattacks over the past few years. The group is known for its sophisticated hacking techniques and its willingness to target a wide range of industries, including healthcare, technology, and finance.
Some of the most notable attacks attributed to REvil include the 2021 ransomware attack on JBS, the world’s largest meat supplier, which resulted in a $11 million ransom payment; and the 2021 ransomware attack on software provider Kaseya, which affected hundreds of businesses around the world. REvil typically gains access to a victim’s computer system through phishing emails or exploiting vulnerabilities in software. Once inside, the group encrypts the victim’s data and demands a ransom payment in exchange for the decryption key. REvil is known for its aggressive tactics and willingness to publish stolen data online if a victim refuses to pay.
The group is believed to operate from Russia, although it’s not clear whether they have any direct ties to the Russian government. However, some experts believe that the group may receive tacit support from the Russian state or at least operate with its knowledge. REvil has been identified as one of the most prolific and dangerous ransomware groups in the world, and its attacks are expected to continue in the future. Cybersecurity experts recommend that organizations take proactive steps to protect themselves from ransomware attacks, such as regularly backing up their data and implementing strong security measures.
#2 DarkSide ransomware gang
DarkSide group gained notoriety after the 2021 ransomware attack on Colonial Pipeline, which disrupted fuel supplies on the U.S. East Coast. DarkSide has since announced that it is disbanding. DarkSide is a ransomware gang that is believed to have originated in Russia or Eastern Europe. The group gained notoriety in 2021 after it was linked to the ransomware attack on Colonial Pipeline, a major fuel pipeline operator in the United States. The attack led to widespread fuel shortages on the U.S. East Coast and raised concerns about the vulnerability of critical infrastructure to cyberattacks.
Like other ransomware gangs, DarkSide uses advanced hacking techniques to infiltrate computer systems and encrypt the victim’s data. The group typically demands a ransom payment in exchange for the decryption key. DarkSide is also known for its “double extortion” technique, which involves stealing sensitive data before encrypting it and then threatening to release the data unless the victim pays the ransom.After the Colonial Pipeline attack, DarkSide announced that it was disbanding. However, it’s unclear whether the group has truly gone away or whether it will simply rebrand itself under a new name. Some experts speculate that the disbanding was simply a ploy to avoid the attention of law enforcement and that the group will continue to operate under a different guise.
DarkSide is believed to operate on a for-profit basis and is known for its professional approach to cybercrime. The group is thought to have sophisticated malware and infrastructure, and it has been known to offer technical support to its victims to help them pay the ransom. While it’s not clear whether DarkSide has any direct ties to the Russian government, the group is believed to operate with the knowledge and tacit approval of the Russian state.
#3 Ryuk ransomware gang
Ryuk Ransomware gang that has been active since 2018 and is believed to be based in Russia or Eastern Europe. The group is known for its sophisticated hacking techniques and its ability to target a wide range of industries, including healthcare, government, and finance. Ryuk typically gains access to a victim’s computer system through phishing emails or by exploiting vulnerabilities in software. Once inside, the group encrypts the victim’s data and demands a ransom payment in exchange for the decryption key. Ryuk is known for its use of customized malware that is designed to evade detection by traditional antivirus software.
One of the most notable attacks attributed to Ryuk was the 2019 ransomware attack on the city of Baltimore’s computer systems. The attack caused widespread disruption to city services, and the city ultimately paid a $6 million ransom to the group. Ryuk has also been linked to several attacks on healthcare organizations, including one in 2020 that targeted the Universal Health Services (UHS) hospital network. Like other ransomware groups, Ryuk is believed to operate on a for-profit basis. The group is known for its professionalism and its willingness to negotiate with victims to achieve the highest possible ransom payment. While it’s not clear whether Ryuk has any direct ties to the Russian government, the group is believed to operate with the knowledge and tacit approval of the Russian state.
This group is believed to be responsible for the 2019 ransomware attack on the city of Baltimore’s computer systems. Ryuk has also been linked to several attacks on healthcare organizations.
#4 Maze ransomware gang
Maze was a notorious ransomware gang that operated from around May 2019 to November 2020. The group was known for its “double extortion” technique, which involved stealing sensitive data before encrypting it and then threatening to release the data unless the victim paid the ransom. Maze was responsible for several high-profile cyberattacks, including attacks on the cybersecurity firm Chubb, the medical research organization Hammersmith Medicines Research, and the multinational technology company Canon. The group was believed to be based in Russia or Eastern Europe and is thought to have used sophisticated hacking techniques to infiltrate computer systems.
In November 2020, Maze announced that it was shutting down its operations. While the group’s exact reasons for disbanding are unclear, some experts speculate that the group may have become too high-profile and attracted unwanted attention from law enforcement agencies. Despite its disbanding, Maze’s legacy lives on. The group is believed to have inspired other ransomware gangs to adopt the “double extortion” technique, and its malware has been reused by other groups in subsequent attacks. Additionally, some former members of the Maze group are thought to have joined other ransomware gangs or continued to operate independently.
This group is known for its “double extortion” technique, which involves stealing sensitive data before encrypting it and then threatening to release the data unless the victim pays the ransom. Maze is believed to have disbanded in 2020.
#5 Egregor ransomware gang
Egregor is a relatively new ransomware gang that emerged in late 2020. The group is believed to be based in Russia or Eastern Europe and is known for its use of sophisticated hacking techniques to infiltrate computer systems.Egregor typically gains access to a victim’s computer system through phishing emails or by exploiting vulnerabilities in software. Once inside, the group encrypts the victim’s data and demands a ransom payment in exchange for the decryption key. Egregor is also known for its “double extortion” technique, which involves stealing sensitive data before encrypting it and then threatening to release the data unless the victim pays the ransom.
Egregor has been linked to several high-profile attacks, including the 2020 ransomware attack on video game company Ubisoft and the 2021 attack on Dutch supermarket chain Coop. The group is known for its use of aggressive tactics, such as publishing stolen data online if a victim refuses to pay the ransom.
While it’s not clear whether Egregor has any direct ties to the Russian government, the group is believed to operate with the knowledge and tacit approval of the Russian state. Like other ransomware groups, Egregor is believed to operate on a for-profit basis and is known for its professionalism and willingness to negotiate with victims to achieve the highest possible ransom payment. In February 2021, French and Ukrainian law enforcement agencies announced that they had arrested several individuals associated with Egregor. However, it’s unclear whether these arrests have had any significant impact on the group’s operations.
This group is responsible for several high-profile attacks, including the 2020 ransomware attack on video game company Ubisoft. Egregor is known for its use of sophisticated hacking techniques, such as exploiting vulnerabilities in remote desktop protocol (RDP) software.
It’s worth noting that while these groups are believed to be based in Russia, it’s often difficult to determine their exact location or level of state support. Some experts believe that the Russian government may turn a blind eye to these activities or even provide support to these groups in some cases.