All news with #ransomware gang tag

🔒 MedusaLocker, a ransomware-as-a-service (RaaS) group active since 2019, has posted a dark web job advert openly recruiting penetration testers and insiders who already have direct access to corporate networks. The advert explicitly instructs applicants not to apply unless they possess network access, signalling a preference for initial access brokers and company insiders. CISA previously linked MedusaLocker to exploitation of RDP vulnerabilities, and the group’s tactic highlights the blurred line between legitimate pentesting and criminal activity. Organisations should prioritise layered defenses, authorised penetration testing, and strict controls over remote access and privileged accounts.

💰 The US Department of Justice announced it seized US $1,091,453 in cryptocurrency linked to the Russian-operated BlackSuit ransomware group following an international takedown of servers, domains and the gang's dark web extortion site. The recovered funds derive from a 49.3120227 Bitcoin ransom payment on or about April 4, 2023; that payment was originally worth US $1,445,454.86. Law enforcement partners in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, Ireland and France collaborated on the operation that seized four servers and nine domains on July 24, and the frozen funds were identified after repeated deposits and withdrawals that ended with an exchange freeze in January 2024.

🔍 Europol and Ukrainian authorities announced the arrest of a 38-year-old suspect tied to the Russian-language XSS crime forum after a July 22, 2025 operation led by French investigators. Authorities say the detainee served as a trusted third party, arbitrating disputes and assuring transaction security for members linked to multiple ransomware groups. Reporting traces forum activity and multiple domain registrations tied to the handle 'Toha', but investigation suggests the arrested man is likely Anton Medvedovskiy rather than alternate identities circulated online. The takedown yielded Jabber server logs and forum backups, prompting a wary, contested relaunch.