Decoding AlphV/BlackCat’s Ransomware Operations with Joe Stewart and Keegan Keplinger

Cyber Talks

The AlphV/BlackCat ransomware-as-a-service gang has been in the news lately thanks to the recent ransomware attack on Change Healthcare that resulted in widespread disruptions to healthcare services and allegedly resulted in the organization paying a $22 million ransom.

Shortly thereafter, an affiliate claimed that BlackCat cheated them out of their share of the $22 million dollar ransom. So, what's going on?

In this episode, Spence Hutchinson speaks with Joe Stewart, Principal Threat Researcher at eSentire, and Keegan Keplinger, Sr. Threat Intelligence Researcher at eSentire, all about AlphV/BlackCat's ransomware operations. Key topics discussed include:

• Who AlphV/BlackCat ransomware operators are and how they use malvertising to gain initial access
• The ransomware attack on Change Healthcare
• The validity of BlackCat claiming that the FBI has seized their Dark Web site and released a decryption tool
• Signs that a ransomware-as-a-service group is rebranding or preparing an exit scam

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About Cyber Talks

From ransomware attacks to supply chain compromises, eSentire’s Cyber Talks podcast will delve into the world of the latest cyber threats that are impacting businesses globally. Join our team of security experts as we speak with C-level executives and security practitioners about the cyber risks affecting their business and how they’re addressing these challenges.

About eSentire

eSentire, Inc., the Authority in Managed Detection and Response (MDR), protects the critical data and applications of 2000+ organizations in 80+ countries, across 35 industries from known and unknown cyber threats by providing Exposure Management, Managed Detection and Response and Incident Response services designed to build an organization’s cyber resilience & prevent business disruption. Founded in 2001, eSentire protects the world’s most targeted organizations with 65% of its global base recognized as critical infrastructure, vital to economic health and stability. By combining open XDR platform technology, 24/7 threat hunting, and proven security operations leadership, eSentire's award-winning MDR services and team of experts help organizations anticipate, withstand and recover from cyberattacks. For more information, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.esentire.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@eSentire⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.