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I still find it hard to believe that when the crooks supply a proton mail address to sent in a sample (to prove they can decrypt it) and a bitcoin wallet number, that the CIA/FBI cannot track such to a perp.
And on the attack, I assume ransomeware meant they've forced it shut, and won't reopen it without getting paid. But that would have to mean there's no manual over-ride in place..
State-sponsored hacking and cyberattacks go to a certain point and stop. What deters "crossing certain lines" is the fear of serious military retaliation. We have some very brave and stupid private hackers taking a giant risk for a huge payday in the tens of millions of dollars.
Criminals like these lock up the IT system of a company, hospital, or government agency. A ransom is demanded in Bitcoins (usually) to give the encryption code to release the organization's computer systems. A lot of organizations quietly pay. Other organizations bravely and rightfully refuse to pay. They build a whole new IT system to replace the one locked up.
Almost two years ago, I got hit with ransomware. After the lock-up, this ominous artificial intelligence voice demanded $5,000 in Bitcoins to release my computer. Those of you who know me well know that I do not "bow down to bullies and thugs." I took my computer to the retail store Best Buy. I left it with their Geek Squad team. I told them to rebuild a new computer, if necessary. I got a phone call a week later. I was told that my computer was ready. When I came to the store and went to check out, I got a huge surprise. The bill was only $249.00US. My computer was back to normal. The ransomware attack had been thwarted.