Lockbit V3

LockBit v3, also known as LockBit Black, is a potent malware that was initially detected in June 2022. This malicious software is designed to exploit and damage computer systems by encrypting files rapidly, often without the user's knowledge. It infiltrates systems through suspicious downloads, emails, or websites, potentially stealing personal information, disrupting operations, or holding data hostage for ransom. In September 2022, a significant event occurred when a builder for this variant was leaked online, making it accessible to a wider range of potential cybercriminals. The performance of LockBit v3 has been benchmarked against other similar threats. In tests conducted by Check Point on a system with 6 CPUs, 8GB RAM, and an SSD containing 220,000 files, LockBit v3 completed its file encryption routine in seven minutes, marking it as one of the fastest ransomware programs for file encryption. Despite its speed, it was still outperformed by another ransomware program named Rorschach, which completed its file encryption routine in just 4 minutes and 30 seconds. The leakage of the builder code for LockBit v3 in September 2022 opened up opportunities for unaffiliated cybercriminals to adopt this premier malware-making tool for their own ends. Researchers from Kaspersky observed a cyber intrusion in the fall of the same year, where a variant of LockBit v3 was used to encrypt an organization's critical systems. The incident highlighted the evolving threat landscape and the increasing sophistication of cyberattacks, underscoring the need for robust cybersecurity measures.