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Breach
2023
Ransomware gang QakBot resurfaces after Feds’ botnet takedown

Ransomware gang QakBot resurfaces after Feds’ botnet takedown

Table of Contents

Incident Details

The Qakbot malware group persisted in conducting cyberattacks in August despite efforts by authorities to dismantle its infrastructure and disrupt the powerful botnet that it had established over many years. Before the FBI-led operation that dismantled the botnet, QakBot, also recognized as "QBot," "QuackBot," and "Pinkslipbot," was identified as the predominant malware loader by ReliaQuest, representing 30% of all loaders detected by its researchers in the initial seven months of the current year.

Incident

How Did the Breach Happen?

Despite the authorities seizing its infrastructure and dismantling its botnet, the Qakbot malware group persisted in carrying out cyberattacks. They were seen spreading Ransom Knight ransomware and malware through phishing emails.

What Data has been Compromised?

The specific nature of the compromised data has not been specified in the provided details.

Why Did the company's Security Measures Fail?

The information provided does not specify the cause of the security measures of the company being ineffective.

What Immediate Impact Did the Breach Have on the company?

The information does not specify the direct effects of the breach on the company.

How could this have been prevented?

The preventive actions for this security violation are not specified in the provided details.

What have we learned from this data breach?

The data breach does not offer any particular insights or takeaways.

Summary of Coverage

Following the dismantling of its botnet by authorities, the Qakbot malware group, which is also referred to as QBot, QuackBot, and Pinkslipbot, reemerged. Despite the crackdown, the gang persisted in carrying out cyberattacks by disseminating Ransom Knight ransomware and malware via phishing emails. This security breach took place in 2023.

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