Cybercriminals are constantly evolving their tactics, and a recent development showcases a concerning new level of psychological pressure. A prominent ransomware group, identified as Qilin, is now reportedly incorporating a bizarre and aggressive feature into their extortion process: the option to “Call Lawyer.”
This peculiar addition marks a significant shift in how ransomware gangs attempt to manipulate their victims. Beyond the standard threat of data encryption and public leaks, providing contact information for legal counsel introduces a new layer of complexity and stress.
The primary goal behind this “Call Lawyer” feature appears to be multifaceted. Firstly, it serves as an intense form of pressure on the victim organization. Facing a cyberattack and potential data breach is already a crisis; introducing a lawyer suggested by the attackers adds confusion and urgency, potentially coercing swift payment of the ransom.
Secondly, this tactic could be an attempt by the Qilin ransomware operators to project a false sense of legitimacy or even mock the legal processes surrounding data breaches. They might frame the introduction to legal counsel as assisting the victim with breach notification requirements, twisting the situation to their advantage.
Ultimately, integrating this feature into the extortion demands is designed to complicate the victim’s response. It potentially introduces external legal counsel who might not be fully integrated with the technical incident response team, potentially creating friction or delays during crucial ransomware negotiation.
This innovative, albeit disturbing, tactic by Qilin highlights the increasing sophistication and ruthlessness of cybercriminals. It underscores the vital need for organizations to invest heavily in robust cybersecurity defenses, develop comprehensive incident response plans, and establish relationships with trusted legal and cybersecurity experts before falling victim to an attack. Understanding the evolving landscape of cyber threats is paramount for effective protection.
Source: https://securityaffairs.com/179205/breaking-news/qilin-ransomware-gang-now-offers-a-call-lawyer-feature.html
