News > Cyber-Security > CS-General
by Kevin Wood

International Law Enforcement Strikes Blow Against Notorious Ransomware Group RagnarLocker

A major blow to the “ransomware world”

In a major international cybercrime crackdown, law enforcement agencies from across the globe have joined forces to dismantle the notorious ransomware gang known as RagnarLocker. The operation, which began in the early hours of Thursday, culminated in the seizure of the dark-web portal used by the cybercriminals, marking a significant victory against one of the most destructive ransomware groups in existence.

A Coordinated International Effort

The coordinated strike against RagnarLocker involved law enforcement agencies spanning Europe, the United States, and Japan. Europol, the European Union’s law enforcement agency, has confirmed its active participation in the operation. Claire Georges, the deputy spokesperson for Europol, stated, “Europol is part of an ongoing action against this ransomware group,” adding that a comprehensive announcement detailing the operation’s success and impact will be made on Friday after all actions have been finalized.

This multi-national collaboration signals a growing global resolve to combat cybercrime, particularly ransomware attacks that have been plaguing critical infrastructure and organizations worldwide.

The Significance of Disrupting RagnarLocker

RagnarLocker has earned notoriety for its relentless attacks on critical infrastructure, particularly targeting healthcare systems and energy sector companies. This criminal group has consistently demonstrated a callous disregard for the consequences of their actions, as evidenced by their recent cyberattack on the Mayanei Hayeshua Medical Center in Israel. The attack resulted in the redirection of patient care to other facilities and the exposure of sensitive patient data.

According to the FBI’s estimations, as of January 2022, RagnarLocker had targeted at least 52 organizations within the United States’ critical infrastructure. These attacks not only disrupt vital services but also pose a grave threat to national security.

The Challenge of Ransomware Gangs in Safe Harbor Countries

One of the challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in combating ransomware gangs is the existence of “safe harbor” countries. These countries provide a shelter for cybercriminals, making it difficult for them to be extradited and prosecuted. As a result, authorities have increasingly turned to tactics like infrastructure takedowns, website seizures, and financial sanctions to disrupt the ransomware ecosystem.

Taking down the infrastructure of these cybercriminal organizations is often the most viable option for bringing them to justice. It cripples their ability to operate, communicate, and collect ransoms from their victims. However, the full scope of the operation against RagnarLocker remains shrouded in secrecy as of now.

The Unanswered Questions

While the seizure of RagnarLocker’s dark-web portal is a significant step forward, many questions remain unanswered. Typically, international law enforcement operations of this nature involve not only website takedowns but also server seizures, financial sanctions, and indictments against key individuals within the criminal organization. These actions, when combined, can deliver a crushing blow to cybercriminals.

At this time, the FBI has not yet provided any official comments regarding the operation. The cybersecurity community, as well as the general public, awaits further details about the extent of the takedown and the impact it will have on RagnarLocker’s operations.

The hopeful end result is that the international effort against RagnarLocker sends a clear message to ransomware gangs worldwide that their criminal activities will not be tolerated. While there is still much work to be done in the ongoing battle against cybercrime, this operation represents a significant victory and a step toward a safer digital future. The world will be watching closely as law enforcement agencies continue their relentless pursuit of those who threaten the integrity and security of critical infrastructure.