Global Law Enforcement Dismantles Ransomware Infrastructure Across Multiple Countries

Ransomware attacks have surged globally, with 69% of organizations experiencing attacks and many falling victim due to persistent security gaps, such as insufficient application control and lack of least privilege principles. Despite improvements in cyber hygiene and widespread adoption of AI for defense, attackers have also leveraged AI to enhance their tactics. Notably, the LockBit ransomware group, once considered the most harmful cybercrime syndicate, was dismantled in early 2024 by coordinated efforts from international law enforcement, including the British NCA and the US FBI, with its leader identified and a $10 million reward offered for his arrest. The UK government is considering expanding a ransomware payment ban across critical national infrastructure sectors to disrupt cybercriminal funding, motivated by high-profile attacks like the NHS data theft. Furthermore, Operation Endgame, a global law enforcement initiative, successfully neutralized over 300 servers, 650 malicious domains, and seized millions in cryptocurrency by targeting initial access malware, thereby disrupting the entry points used by ransomware operators. These combined efforts reflect a multifaceted global response to the ransomware crisis, aiming to dismantle criminal infrastructures and prevent future attacks.