The U.S. Justice Department has indicted Dimitry Yuryevich Khoroshev for launching LockBit, a notorious ransomware. Khoroshev, known as LockBitSupp, reportedly orchestrated global cyberattacks since September 2019.
His operations, dubbed ransomware-as-a-service, spread to over 120 countries and demanded around $500M in ransoms. LockBit mainly targeted essential services, including hospitals and schools, causing billions in damages.
Authorities recently clamped down on LockBit, seizing crucial infrastructure in a collaborated effort with the U.K. and other global forces. This major push disrupted LockBit’s operations and led to Khoroshev’s charges, including fraud, extortion, and intentional computer damage, which could add up to 185 years behind bars.
The FBI is still pursuing other group members, with some already facing trials. Furthermore, the U.S. Treasury pinned sanctions on Khoroshev for his cybercrimes, paralleled by similar measures in the U.K. and Australia. The State Department has also offered a handsome reward for information leading to Khoroshev’s capture.
Victims of LockBit can seek help to potentially decrypt their data compromised by the malware, proving their resilience against cyber threats.
