LockBit Still Owning the Ransomware Scene

04/17/24

Since its emergence in 2020, LockBit has posed a considerable threat in the realm of cybersecurity. Utilizing a Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS) framework, it enlists affiliates to launch ransomware assaults leveraging its proprietary tools and infrastructure. This approach has precipitated widespread attacks targeting a diverse array of industries, notably those deemed as critical infrastructure.

In both 2022 and 2023, LockBit emerged as the most widely deployed ransomware variant globally. The group strategically targets organizations of varying sizes, leaving an impact across critical sectors, including financial services, food and agriculture, education, energy, government and emergency services, healthcare, manufacturing, and transportation.

The LockBit 3.0 variant stands out due to its remarkable capability to create custom, self-propagating malware. This poses a significant challenge for cybersecurity defenses. Notably, LockBit 3.0 can execute malicious actions such as disabling Windows Defender, encrypting network shares, and deleting Windows event logs to cover its tracks. This sophisticated behavior makes it a formidable adversary in the realm of cybersecurity.

Advisories, which include detailed accounts of LockBit ransomware activities and suggested countermeasures, have been issued by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) in collaboration with global partners. Adhering to these guidelines is advised to minimize the chances and consequences of ransomware attacks.

Organizations must maintain an elevated level of alertness and adopt robust cybersecurity strategies to defend against threats like LockBit. To protect against LockBit ransomware, it is important to implement a multi-layered cybersecurity strategy.

Here are a few key measures to implement:

  • Enable multi-factor authentication
  • Regularly update and patch systems
  • Conduct regular backups
  • Educate employees and implement ongoing training best practices
  • Network segmentation
  • Incident response plan
  • Vulnerability management
  • Endpoint detection and response
  • Threat intelligence
  • Access controls

By following these guidelines and staying informed about the latest cybersecurity advisories from CISA, you better your chances of thwarting off attacks like LockBit. To even better your chances, partner with 2W Tech and let our team of expert IT Consultants help ensure your business is best protected from any type of cyberattack that comes your way!

 Read More:

Improving Data Management with Use of Artificial Intelligence

More to Come for Copilot Within the Microsoft Viva Suite

Back to IT News