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DarkSide ransomware gang quits after servers, Bitcoin stash seized

krebsonsecurity.com

21–30 of 623 posts

Re: DarkSide ransomware gang quits after servers, Bitcoin stash seized

#21

Why should I believe this? They can shut down their servers, move their crypto to different wallets, and pop up again in a few weeks, right?

They know that they can and will be found, and are running scared. In general ransomware works because it takes a lot of resources to find the criminals behind it. And generally there's not enough resources to do this. But once it hits a level where it creates a widespread national problem, it becomes more of an act of war. Then you get people involved that aren't just law enforcement and have tools that aren't available to law enforcement with large budgets.

Re: DarkSide ransomware gang quits after servers, Bitcoin stash seized

#22
post #7

why are ransomware groups transacting in BTC, which can be easily traced?

I would expect only Bitcoin markets to have the liquidity and depth where one can easily buy 5 million worth of coins. Similarly when the hackers want to sell the coins again.

Re: DarkSide ransomware gang quits after servers, Bitcoin stash seized

#23
post #15

Can crypto actually be non-traceable? I remember currencies like Monero or ZCash advertising privacy from the last crypto craze. I mean if you have 100M in some account, can you actually run it trough "private" currencies to remove traces? BTC, ETH etc. all seems super traceable, even more so than in regular banking. Also how are criminals getting their money out with no one noticing, does Panama/Malta etc. have Krak…

I think it's still just pseudo-anonymity, even for monero. Which means, practically, that I don't think it would have done more for these guys than just delay the seizure.

Re: DarkSide ransomware gang quits after servers, Bitcoin stash seized

#24
post #15

Can crypto actually be non-traceable? I remember currencies like Monero or ZCash advertising privacy from the last crypto craze. I mean if you have 100M in some account, can you actually run it trough "private" currencies to remove traces? BTC, ETH etc. all seems super traceable, even more so than in regular banking. Also how are criminals getting their money out with no one noticing, does Panama/Malta etc. have Krak…

yes, with zksnark-based tech (zcash, zk.money, etc)

Re: DarkSide ransomware gang quits after servers, Bitcoin stash seized

#25

So taking down hospitals and healthcare facilities was fair game. But messing with Big Oil was just a step too far.

It's an interesting point. I think there is a big difference between hitting decentralized targets and disabling fuel transport for the entire east coast, BUT

if it was this possible before, why wait until now?

Or, if it isn't true - perhaps they're deflecting attention.

Re: DarkSide ransomware gang quits after servers, Bitcoin stash seized

#27

So taking down hospitals and healthcare facilities was fair game. But messing with Big Oil was just a step too far.

That shouldn't be a much of a surprise; the US has always aligned itself with protecting it's oil supply.
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