The LockBit ransomware gang has reportedly targeted FBI Director Kash Patel in a recent warning. According to sources, the gang criticized Patel’s administration, specifically his subordinates, accusing them of focusing more on manipulating narratives and issuing misleading statements than on performing their duties effectively. The message included praise for Patel’s appointment as the 9th FBI Director before quickly turning to harsh criticism of his leadership. This targeted warning is the latest in a series of moves by the gang following their 2023 arrest and the takedown of their infrastructure in Operation Cronos.
LockBit, a notorious cybercrime group responsible for global ransomware attacks, re-emerged just 45 days after their infrastructure was dismantled.
They introduced LockBit 2.0, vowing to intensify their operations and focus on critical federal infrastructure. The group also announced their intention to target the U.S. government ahead of the 2024 elections. In 2024, a faction of the gang known as LockBit 3.0 began focusing on financial institutions and power grids, further sowing political chaos among the public.
Despite their increasing threats, LockBit’s activities began to subside within weeks, largely attributed to the Pentagon’s efforts to disrupt cybercriminal operations.
The gang’s latest tactic, however, is both surprising and strategic: reaching out directly to FBI Director Patel. In their communication, they seem to be spreading a false narrative, possibly as part of a psychological operation to distract or manipulate Patel as part of their broader cyber campaign. This development suggests a shift in the group’s tactics, moving away from purely cyberattacks to psychological warfare.
As the situation unfolds, authorities have not officially confirmed the details of the interaction between LockBit and Patel. However, it is clear that the gang is actively promoting their narrative on social media platforms like Telegram and Facebook. Their latest actions represent a complex and intriguing turn in their cyber operations, with the possibility of a new psychological strategy designed to disrupt the FBI’s efforts against them.
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