Group behind cyberattack received $22 Million Dollars.
In a shocking turn of events, it has been reported that the group responsible for the recent cyberattack on the U.S. healthcare system and the change health payment processor has received a staggering $22 million in the last 48 hours.
This news has sent shockwaves throughout the country and raised concerns about the growing threat of cyberattacks on critical infrastructure.
The cyberattack, which occurred earlier this month, targeted the computer systems of Change Healthcare, a major health payment processor that handles billions of dollars in medical claims each year. The attack disrupted the company’s operations, causing delays in processing payments and creating chaos for healthcare providers and patients across the country.
The group responsible for the attack, known as DarkSide, is a relatively new but well-organized and sophisticated cybercriminal gang. They are believed to be based in Eastern Europe and have been active since August of last year.
DarkSide operates as a ransomware-as-a-service (RaaS) model, where they develop and sell their malicious software to other criminal groups who then carry out the attacks.
According to reports, the $22 million payment was made in Bitcoin, a cryptocurrency that offers anonymity to its users. This makes it difficult for law enforcement agencies to trace the money and apprehend those responsible for the attack.
It is also a common form of payment demanded by ransomware groups, as it allows them to quickly and easily receive large sums of money without being identified.
The amount of money paid to DarkSide is unprecedented and has raised questions about the security of critical infrastructure in the United States. It is also a clear indication that cybercrime has become a lucrative business for these criminal groups, who are constantly evolving and finding new ways to exploit vulnerabilities in computer systems.
The attack on Change Healthcare is just the latest in a string of high-profile cyberattacks that have targeted U.S. companies and infrastructure in recent years.
The increase in cyberattacks and the exorbitant sums of money being paid to these criminal groups have prompted calls for greater investment in cybersecurity and stricter penalties for those responsible. Many experts believe that the U.S. government needs to take a more proactive approach in protecting critical infrastructure and working with private companies to strengthen their defenses against cyber threats.
In the wake of the attack on Change Healthcare, the company has stated that they are working closely with law enforcement and cybersecurity experts to investigate the incident and minimize the impact on their customers.
The news of the $22 million payment to DarkSide is a stark reminder that cyberattacks are not just a threat to data and financial systems, but to the very fabric of our society. The healthcare system is already under immense strain, and an attack of this magnitude only adds to the burden. It is imperative that we take swift action to prevent such attacks and hold those responsible accountable. The safety and security of our critical infrastructure and the well-being of our citizens depend on it.