International Operation Shuts Down LockBit, World’s Most Prolific Cyber Crime Group

• LockBit cyber crime group dismantled in international operation.
• NCA, FBI, and global partners disrupt the world’s most harmful ransomware network.
• Over 1,000 decryption keys obtained; victims to recover data soon.

In a groundbreaking international effort, the National Crime Agency (NCA) has successfully disrupted LockBit, the world’s most harmful cyber crime group, after a four-year investigation. The NCA, working in collaboration with the FBI and partners from nine other countries, unveiled details of Operation Cronos, which aimed at dismantling LockBit’s criminal enterprise.

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The NCA gained control of LockBit’s network, compromising their services and bringing an end to their prolific ransomware attacks that targeted thousands of victims globally, including in the UK. LockBit provided ransomware-as-a-service to a network of hackers, causing losses in the billions through ransom payments and recovery costs.

It then seized LockBit’s primary administration environment and the dark web leak site, turning it into a platform to expose the group’s operations. Additionally, the agency obtained the source code and intelligence about LockBit’s activities and collaborators.

In a coordinated effort, Europol assisted in the arrest of two LockBit actors in Poland and Ukraine. The US Department of Justice has charged two defendants, already in custody, and unsealed indictments against two Russian nationals for conspiring to commit LockBit attacks. Over 200 crypto accounts linked to LockBit have been frozen.

The NCA, FBI, and Europol are now in a position to assist LockBit victims, having obtained over 1,000 decryption keys. The agency will contact UK-based victims to offer support in recovering encrypted data. Public engagement is crucial, and organizations are urged to report ransomware attacks promptly through the Government’s Cyber Incident Signposting Site.

National Crime Agency Director General, Graeme Biggar, stated that the operation had dealt a significant blow to LockBit, emphasizing the agency’s commitment to pursuing cybercriminals worldwide. Home Secretary James Cleverly and US officials praised the international collaboration, showcasing the capability to dismantle even the most sophisticated cyber crime groups.

LockBit may attempt to rebuild, but with the obtained intelligence, the NCA and its partners remain vigilant, ready to target the group and its associates. The operation sends a strong message that no criminal operation is beyond the reach of law enforcement agencies dedicated to cybersecurity.

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