DarkSide Rebrands as BlackMatter: How to Protect Your Business

In 2023, ransomware attacks cost businesses over $1 billion in ransom payments, showing how serious this evolving threat has become. One of the most notorious groups behind these attacks is DarkSide, famous for the 2021 Colonial Pipeline attack, which disrupted fuel supplies across the Eastern U.S. and caught the government’s attention.

After pressure from law enforcement forced DarkSide to shut down, the group rebranded itself as BlackMatter. This rebranding helped them continue their attacks while attempting to evade detection.

This blog explains the story of DarkSide, their transformation into BlackMatter, and how businesses can protect themselves from this evolving threat.

The Background of DarkSide Ransomware

The DarkSide ransomware group gained notoriety for targeting businesses with sophisticated and highly disruptive attacks. Their 2021 Colonial Pipeline hack caused widespread panic, highlighting the threat of ransomware to critical infrastructure. This attack brought intense scrutiny from law enforcement, forcing DarkSide to shut down operations temporarily.

The Emergence of BlackMatter

After shutting down operations under the name DarkSide, the group rebranded itself as BlackMatter, allowing them to continue their attacks while evading law enforcement scrutiny. This rebranding highlights how ransomware groups evolve their tactics to maintain operations despite increased pressure from authorities.

Rebranding Strategy

DarkSide resurfaced as BlackMatter, using this new identity to continue their illegal activities while dodging law enforcement scrutiny. Rebranding is a common tactic for ransomware groups to stay operational after becoming too well-known.

Encryption Algorithms as Evidence

Cybersecurity researchers connected BlackMatter to DarkSide by analyzing similarities in encryption methods and other technical markers. This evidence confirmed that BlackMatter was simply DarkSide under a new name.

Public Message on the Dark Web

BlackMatter posted on the dark web, claiming they would avoid targeting critical infrastructure. However, their history and technical capabilities cast doubt on these claims, as businesses of all sizes remain at risk.

Why Rebranding Matters for Cybersecurity

Rebranding allows cybercriminal groups like BlackMatter to evade law enforcement while continuing their operations. It also makes it harder for cybersecurity teams to track and stop these groups.

For businesses, this tactic creates confusion and delays in recognizing new threats. That’s why it’s critical to keep threat intelligence updated and have flexible response plans in place.

How Dangerous Is BlackMatter?

BlackMatter is considered highly dangerous due to its advanced encryption methods and ability to adapt its tactics to avoid detection. The group’s operations are well-funded, allowing them to develop and deploy sophisticated ransomware campaigns effectively.

Their focus on exploiting vulnerabilities in enterprise systems means that many businesses face significant financial and operational risks if targeted.

Advanced Capabilities

BlackMatter retains DarkSide’s advanced encryption and attack methods, making them a serious threat. Their technical sophistication enables them to bypass many standard cybersecurity defenses.

Potential Targets

Despite their claims to avoid critical infrastructure, BlackMatter primarily targets medium to large businesses, exploiting vulnerabilities in their systems to demand large ransoms.

Defensive Measures Against BlackMatter and Similar Ransomware

To defend against ransomware threats like BlackMatter, businesses need a combination of advanced security tools and well-trained employees. Strengthening both technical defenses and human awareness is essential to minimizing vulnerabilities and ensuring an effective response to potential attacks.

Enhanced Endpoint Protection

Deploy endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to monitor, detect, and neutralize ransomware attacks in real time. EDR tools provide continuous visibility into endpoints, enabling swift responses to suspicious activity before it causes widespread damage.

Regular Backups

Create and maintain frequent offline backups of critical data to ensure it can be restored in the event of a ransomware attack. These backups should be stored securely, separated from the primary network, and tested regularly to verify data integrity and recovery processes.

Phishing Awareness Training

Train employees to identify and avoid phishing emails, a common entry point for ransomware. Effective training programs simulate real-world phishing attempts, improving employee vigilance and reducing the likelihood of accidental breaches.

Patching and Updates

Keep all software, applications, and systems up-to-date by applying the latest security patches. Regular updates close vulnerabilities that ransomware groups often exploit to infiltrate networks. Automated patch management tools can help ensure consistent protection across your infrastructure.

Incident Response Plans

Develop and maintain a detailed incident response plan that outlines the steps to take during a ransomware attack. Include clear roles, responsibilities, and communication protocols to ensure a coordinated and efficient response. Regularly test the plan with simulated scenarios to improve preparedness.

Leveraging the Keepnet Human Risk Management Platform

The transition from DarkSide to BlackMatter highlights the need for proactive defenses. The Keepnet Human Risk Management Platform offers essential tools to strengthen your organization’s cybersecurity:

• Security Awareness Training: Educate employees to recognize phishing and ransomware tactics, reducing human error.
• Phishing Simulator: Simulate real phishing attacks to identify vulnerabilities and measure staff readiness.
• Risk Scoring and Analysis: Track user behavior and benchmark your organization’s risk level against industry standards.

Take action today—train employees to boost awareness by up to 92% and safeguard your organization from evolving ransomware threats.