Fifteen Ransomware Gangs “Retire,” Future Unclear
Summary:
Fifteen well-known ransomware groups, including Scattered Spider, ShinyHunters, and Lapsus$, have collectively announced on Breachforums that they are ceasing operations. The groups claim they have achieved their goal of exposing weaknesses in digital infrastructure rather than simply profiting from extortion. They state that some members will retire with the money they've accumulated, while others will continue to study and improve systems "in silence." The announcement also strikes a defiant tone, vowing to work toward the release of incarcerated members and hinting at retaliation against law enforcement. The post insists that fears of their disappearance are misplaced, stating they will enjoy their "golden parachutes" and continue their work in a new, quieter capacity.
Security Officer Comments:
Analysts are skeptical that this announcement marks a genuine end to the groups' activities, viewing it more as a public relations stunt or a temporary measure. Experts cite a history of cybercrime groups rebranding or lying low when under pressure, as seen with the GandCrab group, which later re-emerged as REvil. The consensus among security professionals is that cybercriminals rarely retire in the traditional sense and that these groups are likely regrouping, rebranding, or pivoting to new tactics. This "retirement" is seen as a normal part of the criminal lifecycle, not a permanent farewell, and new copycat groups are expected to take their place after the heat is off, likely.
Suggested Corrections:
Backup your data, system images, and configurations, regularly test them, and keep the backups offline: Ensure that backups are regularly tested and that they are not connected to the business network, as many ransomware variants try to find and encrypt or delete accessible backups. Maintaining current backups offline is critical because if your network data is encrypted with ransomware, your organization can restore systems.
Update and patch systems promptly: This includes maintaining the security of operating systems, applications, and firmware in a timely manner. Consider using a centralized patch management system; use a risk-based assessment strategy to drive your patch management program.
Test your incident response plan: There's nothing that shows the gaps in plans more than testing them. Run through some core questions and use those to build an incident response plan: Are you able to sustain business operations without access to certain systems? For how long? Would you turn off your manufacturing operations if business systems such as billing were offline?
Check your security team's work: Use a 3rd party pen tester to test the security of your systems and your ability to defend against a sophisticated attack. Many ransomware criminals are aggressive and sophisticated and will find the equivalent of unlocked doors.
Segment your networks: There's been a recent shift in ransomware attacks – from stealing data to disrupting operations. It's critically important that your corporate business functions and manufacturing/production operations are separated and that you carefully filter and limit internet access to operational networks, identify links between these networks, and develop workarounds or manual controls to ensure ICS networks can be isolated and continue operating if your corporate network is compromised. Regularly test contingency plans such as manual controls so that safety-critical functions can be maintained during a cyber incident.
Train employees: Email remains the most vulnerable attack vector for organizations. Users should be trained on how to avoid and spot phishing emails.
Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA): External-facing assets that leverage single-factor authentication (SFA) are highly susceptible to brute-forcing attacks, password spraying, or unauthorized remote access using valid (stolen) credentials. Implementing MFA enhances security and adds an extra layer of protection.
Link(s):
https://www.infosecurity-magazine.com/news/fifteen-ransomware-gangs-retire/
Fifteen well-known ransomware groups, including Scattered Spider, ShinyHunters, and Lapsus$, have collectively announced on Breachforums that they are ceasing operations. The groups claim they have achieved their goal of exposing weaknesses in digital infrastructure rather than simply profiting from extortion. They state that some members will retire with the money they've accumulated, while others will continue to study and improve systems "in silence." The announcement also strikes a defiant tone, vowing to work toward the release of incarcerated members and hinting at retaliation against law enforcement. The post insists that fears of their disappearance are misplaced, stating they will enjoy their "golden parachutes" and continue their work in a new, quieter capacity.
Security Officer Comments:
Analysts are skeptical that this announcement marks a genuine end to the groups' activities, viewing it more as a public relations stunt or a temporary measure. Experts cite a history of cybercrime groups rebranding or lying low when under pressure, as seen with the GandCrab group, which later re-emerged as REvil. The consensus among security professionals is that cybercriminals rarely retire in the traditional sense and that these groups are likely regrouping, rebranding, or pivoting to new tactics. This "retirement" is seen as a normal part of the criminal lifecycle, not a permanent farewell, and new copycat groups are expected to take their place after the heat is off, likely.
Suggested Corrections:
Backup your data, system images, and configurations, regularly test them, and keep the backups offline: Ensure that backups are regularly tested and that they are not connected to the business network, as many ransomware variants try to find and encrypt or delete accessible backups. Maintaining current backups offline is critical because if your network data is encrypted with ransomware, your organization can restore systems.
Update and patch systems promptly: This includes maintaining the security of operating systems, applications, and firmware in a timely manner. Consider using a centralized patch management system; use a risk-based assessment strategy to drive your patch management program.
Test your incident response plan: There's nothing that shows the gaps in plans more than testing them. Run through some core questions and use those to build an incident response plan: Are you able to sustain business operations without access to certain systems? For how long? Would you turn off your manufacturing operations if business systems such as billing were offline?
Check your security team's work: Use a 3rd party pen tester to test the security of your systems and your ability to defend against a sophisticated attack. Many ransomware criminals are aggressive and sophisticated and will find the equivalent of unlocked doors.
Segment your networks: There's been a recent shift in ransomware attacks – from stealing data to disrupting operations. It's critically important that your corporate business functions and manufacturing/production operations are separated and that you carefully filter and limit internet access to operational networks, identify links between these networks, and develop workarounds or manual controls to ensure ICS networks can be isolated and continue operating if your corporate network is compromised. Regularly test contingency plans such as manual controls so that safety-critical functions can be maintained during a cyber incident.
Train employees: Email remains the most vulnerable attack vector for organizations. Users should be trained on how to avoid and spot phishing emails.
Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA): External-facing assets that leverage single-factor authentication (SFA) are highly susceptible to brute-forcing attacks, password spraying, or unauthorized remote access using valid (stolen) credentials. Implementing MFA enhances security and adds an extra layer of protection.
Link(s):
https://www.infosecurity-magazine.com/news/fifteen-ransomware-gangs-retire/