Free decryptor key for REvil/Sodinokibi ransomware released
The key was made possible thanks to a collaboration between law enforcement and Bitdefender
Cyber security firm Bitdefender has collaborated with a law enforcement agency to create a free decryptor for REvil/Sodinokibi ransomware.
Researchers at the company worked with an unnamed agency to release a free, universal decryptor key capable of unlocking the data of any organizations affected by the ransomware, according to a blog post.
The company said that the tool will help victims encrypted by REvil ransomware to restore their files and recover from attacks made before July 13, 2021. This date was when parts of REvil’s infrastructure went offline, leaving infected victims who had not paid the ransom unable to recover their encrypted data.
Bitdefender said that the investigation into the ransomware gang is “ongoing” and would not be able to comment on details related to this case until authorized by the lead investigating law enforcement partner.
“Both parties believe it is important to release the universal decryptor before the investigation is completed to help as many victims as possible,” the firm said in a statement.
Researchers warned that new REvil attacks are imminent after the ransomware gang’s servers and supporting infrastructure recently came back online after a two-month hiatus.
“We urge organizations to be on high alert and to take necessary precautions,” the researchers added.
RELATED RESOURCE
The business guide to ransomware
Everything you need to know to keep your company afloat
REvil is regarded as a ransomware as a service (RaaS) operator, mostly likely based in a country in Eastern Europe, or Russia. The gang surfaced in 2019 as a successor of the now-defunct GandCrab ransomware. REvil is one of the most prolific examples of ransomware on the dark web as affiliates have targeted thousands of organizations worldwide.
The affiliates encrypt data before demanding huge ransoms, sometimes up to $70 million in exchange for a decryptor key.
Victims of REvil ransomware can download the new decryption tool for free to recover their data from Bitdefender’s website. A step-by-step tutorial on how to use the REvil decryption tool is available here.
-
15-year-old revealed as key player in Scattered LAPSUS$ HuntersNews 'Rey' says he's trying to leave Scattered LAPSUS$ Hunters and is prepared to cooperate with law enforcement
-
The Scattered Lapsus$ Hunters group is targeting Zendesk customers – here’s what you need to knowNews The group appears to be infecting support and help-desk personnel with remote access trojans and other forms of malware
-
Impact of Asahi cyber attack laid bare as company confirms 1.5 million customers exposedNews No ransom has been paid, said president and group CEO Atsushi Katsuki, and the company is restoring its systems
-
The US, UK, and Australia just imposed sanctions on a Russian cyber crime group – 'we are exposing their dark networks and going after those responsible'News Media Land offers 'bulletproof' hosting services used for ransomware and DDoS attacks around the world
-
A notorious ransomware group is spreading fake Microsoft Teams ads to snare victimsNews The Rhysida ransomware group is leveraging Trusted Signing from Microsoft to lend plausibility to its activities
-
Volkswagen confirms security ‘incident’ amid ransomware breach claimsNews Volkswagen has confirmed a security "incident" has occurred, but insists no IT systems have been compromised.
-
The number of ransomware groups rockets as new, smaller players emergeNews The good news is that the number of victims remains steady
-
Teens arrested over nursery chain Kido hacknews The ransom attack caused widespread shock when the hackers published children's personal data
