U.S. State Department Offers $10 Million Bounty for Information on “Blackcat” Ransomware Gang
The U.S. State Department has announced a reward of up to $10 million for any information leading to the identification or capture of the “Blackcat” ransomware gang. This group, known for their malicious cyber activities, notably targeted the tech unit of UnitedHealth Group, causing widespread disruptions in insurance payments throughout the United States.
In an official statement, the department highlighted that the “ALPHV Blackcat ransomware-as-a-service group” had infiltrated critical infrastructure networks not only within the United States but also globally.
The recent cyberattack on UnitedHealth Group’s tech unit, Change Healthcare, resulted in a significant backlog of medical claims totaling over $14 billion. As services gradually return to normalcy following the attack, the repercussions continue to impact patients, doctors, and insurance practitioners. Particularly affected are the community health centers catering to over 30 million individuals without proper insurance coverage, exacerbating the strain on healthcare resources.
Reports suggest that UnitedHealth Group made efforts to resolve the situation by allegedly paying a ransom of $22 million to the hackers. However, it remains unclear whether the “Blackcat” group adhered to any agreements made during negotiations. Following the attack, the group attempted to mislead by publishing a false press release on their website, falsely claiming to have been apprehended by law enforcement, creating the illusion of ceasing their operations.
Source: Reuters
