DarkSide attack? You’re gonna need more than the Justice League!

DarkSide is a hacker group that is believed to operate out of Eastern Europe and has possibly been active since at least August 2020. The group is known for launching ransomware attacks against large organizations and demanding payment in exchange for decrypting their data.

One of the group’s most high-profile attacks occurred in October 2020, when they launched a ransomware attack against the U.S. based fuel pipeline company, Colonial Pipeline. The attack resulted in the shutdown of the pipeline, which supplies gasoline and other fuel to the East Coast of the United States. The company ultimately paid a ransom of $4.4 million to decrypt its data.

In another attack in December 2020, the group targeted the U.S. based meat processing company, JBS. The attack resulted in the temporary shutdown of several of the company’s meatpacking plants. The company did not disclose whether or not it paid a ransom.

DarkSide has stated that it does not target hospitals or other medical organizations and that it only attacks organizations that it believes can afford to pay a ransom. The group has also claimed to donate a portion of its profits to charitable causes.

Although the DarkSide website is no longer accessible, and the group announced they’re no longer active after increasing pressure from the US government, we can’t know for sure if that’s true. Like many similar ransomware groups, they might have announced a shutdown only to escape the public’s attention and could be planning another full-scale attack.

One of the notable features of DarkSide’s attacks is the use of “double extortion” tactics. In addition to encrypting an organization’s data, the group also threatens to release sensitive data that it has obtained during the attack if the ransom is not paid.

There have been several arrests of individuals believed to be connected to the group, but the group itself has not been dismantled. It is believed that DarkSide operates as a ransomware-as-a-service (RaaS) platform, in which affiliates can purchase ransomware tools and launch attacks on behalf of the group.

The attacks carried out by DarkSide have caused significant disruption and financial losses for the organizations that they have targeted. They have also raised concerns about the vulnerability of critical infrastructure to ransomware attacks.

One of the challenges in combating DarkSide and other ransomware groups is that they often use sophisticated tactics to evade detection. For example, the group has been known to use a variety of methods to spread their ransomware, including exploiting vulnerabilities in software and using phishing campaigns to trick victims into downloading malware.

The group has also been known to use a range of encryption algorithms to secure their ransom payments, making it difficult for law enforcement and cyber security researchers to track their activities. In addition, the group has been known to use various methods to obscure their true location, such as using virtual private networks (VPNs) and the TOR network to mask their IP addresses.

The impact of DarkSide’s attacks has been significant, not just for the organizations that they have targeted but also for the broader community. For example, the Colonial Pipeline attack caused gasoline shortages and price increases in the southeastern United States. The JBS attack also disrupted the global meat supply chain and led to temporary shutdowns of meatpacking plants in the United States, Australia, and Canada.

The attacks have also highlighted the need for organizations to have robust cyber security measures in place to protect against ransomware attacks. This includes maintaining regular backups of data, implementing strong password policies, and regularly updating software and security protocols.

In response to the threat posed by DarkSide and other ransomware groups, law enforcement agencies around the world have ramped up efforts to track and prosecute those responsible for these types of attacks. In May 2021, the U.S. Department of Justice announced that it had taken down the DarkSide ransomware network as part of an international law enforcement operation. While the group’s infrastructure was disrupted, it is not clear to what extent this will impact their ability to launch future attacks.

In addition to law enforcement efforts, there have also been calls for the development of more effective technical solutions to prevent and mitigate the impact of ransomware attacks. This includes the use of machine learning and artificial intelligence to identify and block malicious activity, as well as the development of decentralized systems that are less vulnerable to attacks.

Overall, the case of DarkSide highlights the ongoing threat posed by ransomware attacks and the need for organizations to be vigilant in protecting against them. It also underscores the importance of international cooperation in combating cybercrime, as these types of attacks often cross national borders and require a coordinated response.

Professional firms have the expertise and resources necessary to effectively defend against, mitigate, and remediate ransomware attacks. These firms typically have a team of cybersecurity experts who are trained to identify and analyze the specific tactics and techniques used by ransomware attackers. This allows them to develop and implement effective countermeasures to protect against future attacks. Additionally, professional firms can quickly and efficiently identify the source of an attack, isolate the infected systems, and restore any lost or encrypted data. They also have the knowledge and experience to negotiate with attackers and, if necessary, pay ransoms in a way that minimizes the risk of further attacks. All of these capabilities are essential for effectively responding to and recovering from a ransomware attack, and can help to minimize the impact on an organization.

For more information about ransomware and how you can protect, mitigate, and remediate your organization.

Contact SUMURI today!