The REVIL ransomware group has mysteriously disappeared from the web without a trace after demanding a $70M ransom payout in Bitcoin
The infamous ransomware group REVIL has mysteriously vanished without a trace.
Websites and other digital infrastructure that belonged to the hackers, who are believed to be from either Eastern Europe or Russia, went dark on Tuesday.
Information security blog Bleeping Computer says ” All REVIL sites are down, including payment sites and data leak pages”.
Biden promises ‘consequences’ for Russian hackers
It’s unclear why the group has gone dark, but it comes after US President Joe Biden told Russia’s President Vladimir Putin that there would be ‘consequences’ if the Kremlin didn’t address the ongoing spate of ransomware attacks.
Biden has previously stressed the importance of addressing hacks, acknowledging their threat to critical infrastructure that is relied on by Americans. However, speculation is still mounting as to why REVIL has suddenly disappeared.
Cybersecurity firm Exabeam told CNN, “this outage could be criminal maintenance, planned retirement, or, more likely, the result of an offensive response to the criminal enterprise’.
This comes after the group asked for a $70M ransom in Bitcoin from victims of a recent hack. They promised to release a ‘universal decryptor key’ to all victims if anyone was willing to pay the ransom.
The REVIL gang posted a blog entry on its personal website on the dark web taking credit for the audacious cyber attack on MSP providers in the US which they claim affected over a million systems.
“Everyone will be able to recover from the attack in less than an hour,” the post read.
Will the companies pay the ransom?
The general advice from cyber-security experts is to not pay hackers to retrieve their data, because it encourages future attacks.
However, John Hammond from Huntress Labs doesn’t believe the situation is so simple. The cybersecurity firm Huntress Labs Inc is leading the investigation into the attack.
“This is an extremely intricate and tough situation,” he said in a private Twitter message to Ticker reporters.
“You have to make the decision that is best for your business,” he said.
REvil has shared an update on their personal dark web site. Their asking price to decrypt ALL victims is $70,000,000 USD. pic.twitter.com/e5WDWxDE53
The attack targeted more than 20 managed service providers (MSP). Yesterday, Huntress Labs anticipated the hack had affected more than 1000 businesses, which expectations that the figure would grow based on reports from the providers and a Reddit thread tracking the hack.
“It’s reasonable to think this could potentially be impacting thousands of small businesses,” tweeted John Hammond from Huntress Labs. Hammond says the attack targeted a software supplier called Kaseya.
Biden has sinced called for US intelligence to conduct a “deep dive” into the attacks. “We’re not sure it’s the Russians,” he said. “The initial thinking was, it was not the Russian government, but we’re not sure yet.”
#MSP organizations using #Kaseya VSA are being compromised by a critical ransomware incident that is active and ongoing. We are sharing all the details we know here: https://t.co/MdFQ6UdYNk
Another victim of the attack is Sweden, which has seen around 500 supermarkets unable to trade.
Coop Sweden has closed half of its 800 stores after its point-of-sale tills and self-service checkouts stopped working just before the weekend.
The supermarket itself was not targeted by hackers. However, because it uses on of the affected MSPs it too has fallen victim to the attack.
Cybersecurity becomes and international security issue
This comes as the latest in a string of ransomware attacks in recent months, including the attack on JBS. Experts have also attributed the JBS attack to the REvil cyber gang.
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In Short:
– Apple has introduced the new iPhone Air, priced at £999, to attract customers and update its smartphone line.
– The Air features innovations like a battery accessory, while Apple faces competition in AI capabilities.
Apple has launched a new “iPhone Air” model, marking its first significant smartphone release in years.
The new device, priced at $999, aims to attract customers following difficulties in delivering AI features.
This model replaces the Plus line and initiates a refresh since the iPhone X.
The iPhone Air is designed to pave the way for a potential foldable iPhone next year, indicating Apple’s commitment to creating thinner devices. Analysts highlight challenges with foldable technology, expressing optimism about Apple’s advancements.
The iPhone 17’s base price remains at $799, with the cheapest Pro model starting at $1,099.
Tariffs will be avoided as Apple sources most iPhones from India. The company introduced a battery accessory to enhance the Air’s life, although it adds bulk.
Design Innovations
Apple has also introduced new AirPods Pro featuring a heart monitor and an Apple Watch that can detect high blood pressure.
However, the company faces criticism for lagging AI capabilities compared to competitors like Google. Investor sentiment remains positive following a strong sales quarter and positive developments regarding trade tariffs.
Futurum Group CEO Daniel Newman said that the iPhone 17 launch comes at a “really tough” moment for Apple.
“The problem with Apple is that everything that’s showing up today is, in fact, pretty incremental,” he told CNBC’s “Power Lunch.” “Yes, the phone is thinner, and yes, it looks great. We haven’t had a big supercycle in four years.”
Other devices
The new AirPods Pro 3 boast improved audio quality and noise cancellation. A new feature is real-time translation of conversations in foreign languages. They cost $249, the same as their predecessor.
Apple released three new Apple Watch models: the Series 11, which includes updates to the low-end SE and high-end Ultra models. Prices remain unchanged. Apple has added a new health feature to the devices, using machine learning to assess the risk of high blood pressure.
Apple’s iOS 26 will be available as a free software update on Monday.
AirPods Pro 3, the new Apple Watch lineup, iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and the all-new iPhone Air—here’s everything we just announced! pic.twitter.com/EDPNjpoUW8
In Short:
– Tim Cook strengthened Apple’s U.S. investment with a $100 billion commitment despite tariff pressures.
– Analysts predict iPhone price rises due to increased component costs and enhanced features.
Apple CEO Tim Cook has successfully managed the company’s relationship with the White House amid tariffs.
Cook presented President Donald Trump with a gold plaque while announcing a $100 billion U.S. investment.
This was part of a broader commitment to spend $600 billion in the U.S. over the next five years.
Despite these efforts, analysts predict Apple may raise iPhone prices due to ongoing tariff pressures.
CounterPoint’s Jeff Fieldhack noted speculation about a potential increase. While Apple has managed the impact of tariffs better than anticipated, it has incurred costs amounting to $800 million recently.
Pricing Trends
Apple has a history of cautious pricing strategies.
While it has not raised prices significantly in recent years, component costs have increased. Analysts expect upcoming iPhones to boast enhanced features, which could justify a price rise.
Additionally, reports suggest an entry-level Pro model may be eliminated, leading consumers to face higher starting prices for new devices. Cook previously stated that there were no immediate price changes to announce.
In Short:
– U.S. Judge Mehta ruled Google can’t have exclusive search deals, allowing ongoing distribution payments.
– The decision supports collaboration with Apple and reflects changing market dynamics amid AI advancements.
U.S. District Judge Amit P. Mehta ruled that Google cannot secure exclusive search engine deals, allowing distribution payments to continue.
According to The Wall Street Journal, the judge acknowledged the potential harm to partners like Apple if such agreements were prohibited.The ruling follows Mehta’s previous finding that Google maintained a 90% search market share through illegal practices.
Mehta explained the changing market dynamics, particularly due to AI technology, arguing against drastic interventions that could disrupt competition.
The decision is viewed positively by Wall Street analysts, as it allows Google to continue its $20 billion annual payment to Apple for being the default search provider.
This arrangement could further foster collaboration on AI services.
Future Innovations
The ruling impacts Google’s ability to create exclusive agreements and requires data-sharing to boost competition.
Critics argue the remedies are insufficient, with calls for an appeal regarding Mehta’s perceived leniency toward Google.
In related news, Google stated the judgement reflects industry changes, affirming that competition remains robust. The Justice Department plans to review the ruling’s implications for restoring competition in the search market.