Russian-linked ransomware group, LockBit, has been implicated in a surge of cyberattacks, targeting 24 victims within a span of just 24 hours, according to cyber watchdogs. Notable targets include Newark Academy in New Jersey and the Cross City Tunnel in Sydney, Australia. These attacks typically involve encrypting critical data and threatening to expose it unless a ransom is paid.
Newark Academy has been given a payment deadline of June 23rd, while the Cross City Tunnel’s deadline is June 26th. VX-Underground, another cybercrime analyst, reported LockBit’s claimed tally at 23 victims before Newark Academy was added to the list. Among the victims were the Pittsburg Unified School District, a healthcare center in Fredericksburg, Virginia, and a municipality in Iceland.
However, it is important to note that ransomware groups sometimes make unsubstantiated claims, and the accuracy of these claims could not be verified by Cybernews at the time of reporting.
Nevertheless, LockBit remains a highly active and prolific ransomware gang, with DarkFeed monitoring its total victim count reaching close to 1,800. The group’s tactics aim to disrupt organizations by encrypting and potentially exposing sensitive data, often forcing victims to negotiate and meet ransom demands.
As cybercriminals continue to evolve their methods, the threat of ransomware attacks remains a significant challenge in the cybersecurity landscape.
