Today, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) jointly released a crucial Cybersecurity Advisory (CSA) labeled #StopRansomware: ALPHV Blackcat. This advisory aims to disseminate critical information regarding the tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) employed by known ALPHV Blackcat affiliates, along with indicators of compromise (IOCs) identified through FBI investigations conducted as recently as December 6, 2023.
Additionally, the advisory delivers updates to the FBI FLASH BlackCat/ALPHV Ransomware Indicators of Compromise, which were initially released on April 19, 2022. The ALPHV Blackcat affiliates, known for their adeptness in ransomware and data extortion operations, exhibit a vast network and considerable experience in executing these malicious activities. According to FBI investigations conducted up to September 2023, the number of compromised entities exceeds 1000, with over half of them located in the United States and approximately 250 outside the country.
The scale of this threat underscores the urgency for organizations, particularly those overseeing critical infrastructure, to diligently review and implement the recommended mitigations outlined in the joint CSA. To address the imminent risk of ALPHV Blackcat ransomware and data extortion incidents, CISA and the FBI strongly advocate for critical infrastructure organizations to adopt the suggested measures. The joint CSA serves as a comprehensive guide, offering insights and strategies to reduce the likelihood and mitigate the impact of such cyber threats.
For further information and detailed guidelines, interested parties are encouraged to refer to CISA’s #StopRansomware webpage, which also features an updated #StopRansomware Guide aimed at enhancing cybersecurity resilience in the face of evolving threats.