Department of Justice Launches Global Action Against NetWalker Ransomware | OPA
News Highlights: Department of Justice Launches Global Action Against NetWalker Ransomware | OPA.
The Justice Department today announced coordinated international law enforcement action to disrupt an advanced form of ransomware known as NetWalker.
NetWalker ransomware has affected countless victims, including businesses, municipalities, hospitals, law enforcement, emergency services, school districts, colleges and universities. Attacks specifically targeted health care during the COVID-19 pandemic, taking advantage of the global crisis to extort victims.
“We are retaliating against the growing threat of ransomware by not only bringing criminal charges against the responsible actors, but also disrupting the criminal online infrastructure and, where possible, recovering ransom money extorted from victims,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicholas L. McQuaid of the Criminal Division of the Department of Justice. “Ransomware victims should know that going to law enforcement as soon as possible after an attack can lead to significant results, such as those achieved with today’s multifaceted operation.”