Law enforcement seizes LockBit ransomware group’s website

February 20, 2024
LockBit Ransomware Operation Cronos UK Law Enforcement Cybersecurity

The law enforcement agencies have successfully seized and dismantled the website infrastructure of the notorious LockBit ransomware group. Our iZOOlogic security researchers made this discovery on February 20, 2024, marking a significant win against cyber criminals.

Upon attempting to access the LockBit threat group’s website, users are now met with a message from the authorities. The statement declares, “This site is now under the control of The National Crime Agency of the UK, working in close cooperation with the FBI and the international law enforcement task force, ‘Operation Cronos.'” This joint effort underscores the global collaboration needed to combat cyber threats effectively.

The timing of this takeover is crucial, as our team’s investigations revealed that the LockBit group was active just yesterday, as they had managed to post details about their most recent victim company, the Belgium-based SOCO car distributing company. This action highlights the urgency and efficiency of law enforcement actions, preventing further harm to potential victims.

 

The seizure has disrupted the operations of LockBit ransomware and hampered its ability to regroup and continue malicious activities.

 

As of the time of writing, LockBit’s website remains inaccessible, signalling a significant disruption to the group’s operations. After several hours of being down, all of LockBit’s mirror sites are still not working, further crippling their ability to regroup and continue their malicious activities.

The swift and coordinated effort by law enforcement has dealt a severe blow to the ransomware gang, impacting their ability to communicate, coordinate attacks, and exploit vulnerable systems. The international collaboration showcased in ‘Operation Cronos’ reflects a united front against cybercrime.

Our dedicated team at iZOOlogic will continue to monitor this developing story closely. As updates emerge, we will provide timely and relevant information to keep the public informed about the ongoing efforts to combat cyber threats.

The takedown of LockBit’s website marks a significant milestone in the fight against ransomware, underscoring the importance of global cooperation in the face of evolving cyber threats.

About the author

Leave a Reply