Dying laughing' - what leaked messages tell us about global hacking gang

Leaked messages from Conti, one of the world’s largest ransomware groups, provide a rare look into internal disputes and attack decision-making after the gang imploded in 2022. The article says Conti members—mainly Russian with affiliates worldwide—extorted millions by scrambling victims’ data and demanding payment, estimating $180m in 2021 alone. It adds that more than 1,000 organisations were affected, from Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council in north-east England to luxury jeweller Graff. Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Conti posted a statement on its dark web supporting Russia, later replaced with a pledge condemning the war. Two days after the replacement, over 300,000 communications were leaked by a member, including messages referencing the targeting of Ireland’s Health Service Executive in May 2021. Reportedly, hackers sought $20m to restore services.