Bitdefender analysts have unveiled a free tool to decrypt data affected by DarkSide ransomware attacks. The tool is already available for download from the company’s website along with instructions for its use.
DarkSide Decryptor !
Bitdefender experts write that the tool should be useful to companies that have not been able to recover any data after attacks and still keep encrypted copies of it. In addition, the decryptor should damage the reputation and operations of DarkSide, because now hackers will have to seriously redo their malware so that the free tool does not work.
In addition, past experience shows that many ransomware developers ceased their activities altogether after the release of such tools, because most of the clients refused their “services” in favor of newer and indecipherable competitors.
RaaS or Ransomware as a Service
Let me remind you that the DarkSide group has been active since August 2020 and operates under the ransomware as a service (RaaS) scheme, actively promoting its malware on the darknet and collaborating with other hack groups. As a result, DarkSide is a classic “big game hunter”, that is, it primarily attacks large corporate networks, encrypts data, and then demands huge ransoms from the affected companies. If victims refuse to pay, Darkside members post their stolen data on their site on the darknet.
While there have been no new leaks on the Darkside site lately, security researcher MalwareHunter noticed last week that the hacker site was updated with a new section for journalists during the holidays, where they can register and contact the group directly.