On Monday, law enforcement agencies in 10 countries, including the FBI, shut down a 15-server VPN service used in anonymous ransomware attacks.
VPN Lab[.]The net is said to have provided cover for at least 150 ransomware attacks. Ukrainian law enforcement, received a ransom of approximately 60 million euros. The service is based in Germany and Hannover police led the investigation.
Hannover Police Chief Volker Kluiwei said in a statement.
Europol describes the service As “a popular choice for cybercriminals”.
Countries involved in the demolition include Germany, the Netherlands, Canada, the Czech Republic, France, Hungary, Latvia, Ukraine, the United States and the United Kingdom. Additional support was provided by Europol and Eurojust, including more than 60 coordination meetings.
Ransomware is a complex economy, with multiple businesses leveraging multiple different vendors and being able to move from one to another. Experts point out that law enforcement needs to target well-known ransomware brands, lesser-known affiliates, and the services they use, including VPNs.
In September, the U.S. sanctioned cryptocurrency exchange Popular with ransomware attackers.
VPNLab action follows Russian law enforcement arrests 14 members of REvil ransomware gang Last week saw a major breakout by police targeting ransomware makers.
