The LockBit 3.0 ransomware is an update of its original version. And although it has only recently been released, it has already been drawing attention with new bug bounty systems and company exposure.
As other ransomware groups fell and were deactivated, Cyberthint reported that LockBit has been gaining prominence, being responsible for more than 60 attacks, representing 32% of the invasions in the month of June 2022.
And now with its 3.0 release, the group has added a bug bounty system to its RaaS (Ransomware as Service). The project was already in the testing phase since April 2022, and the method is based on paying people who are able to detect any flaws, vulnerabilities, or suggest “bright ideas” for ransomware.
The group is also bringing concerns to businesses, as on their website they are reporting which companies are being encrypted by the ransomware. In addition to allowing anyone to influence the attack, they can pay to destroy all the files, download the data among other options.
As much as LockBit was not the first group to use bug bounty, this is the first time ransomware has been seen using this program.
In a note posted on its website, LockBit says, “We invite all security researchers, ethical and unethical hackers on the planet to participate in our bug bounty program. Rewards range in value from $1,000 to $1 million.” And for contributors to receive their rewards they are challenged to report the items listed below.
- Website Bugs: Reporting vulnerabilities, getting a site access shell, and other site-related challenges is one of the items that can bring employees compensation.
- Encryptor Bugs: Exposing bugs during ransomware execution that result in data loss, or keyless ways of decryption also brings contributors access to rewards.
- Bright Ideas: Suggestions for improvements, features of competitors that they don’t already have, and the like.
- Doxing: Perhaps the toughest challenge on this list. LockBit is willing to pay for those who are able to dox the head of the program.
- TOX Messenger: Flaws in the messaging device used by the group, any interesting vulnerabilities, LockBit will reward those who report them.
- TOX Messenger: Flaws in the messaging device used by the group, any interesting vulnerabilities, LockBit will reward those who report them.
For each piece of information, the group assesses the value and makes its payments using cryptocurrencies. With the update, the virtual currency Zcash has also been added as a form of payment, making the group’s secrecy even more efficient. Currently the ransom payments or bug bounty payments are made by Bitcoin, Monero, and Zcash.
The slogan adopted by the group is “Make Ransomware Great Again!”, this shows that they are committed to reaching the top of ransomware, and their update makes this evident. Therefore the risk to businesses tends to grow.
Knowing this, ransomware groups are not the only ones updating. Recovery companies are also dedicated day and night working to perfect their methods to deal with attacks.
Recover files encrypted by LockBit 3.0 ransomware
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