Leaked Black Basta Chat Logs Reveal Ransomware Gang’s Secrets
A massive trove of internal chat logs from the notorious Black Basta ransomware group has surfaced online, exposing key members, unreported victims, and operational tactics of this Russia-linked cybercrime syndicate.
Key Revelations from the Leak
- 200,000+ messages spanning September 2023 to September 2024
- Shared with threat intelligence firm Prodaft by a leaker using the alias “ExploitWhispers”
- Leak reportedly stems from internal conflicts over failed decryption tools for paying victims
Who is Black Basta?
The U.S. government has linked this prolific Russian-language ransomware group to:
- Hundreds of attacks on critical infrastructure and global businesses
- High-profile victims including:
- U.S. healthcare provider Ascension (5.6 million patients affected)
- UK utility company Southern Water
- British outsourcing giant Capita
Inside the Gang: Key Members Exposed
The logs identify several core operatives:
- “YY”: Main administrator
- “Lapa”: Key leader
- “Cortes”: Hacker linked to Qakbot botnet
- “Trump” (aka “AA”, “GG”): Believed to be Oleg Nefedovaka, allegedly the group’s “main boss” with ties to the defunct Conti ransomware group
Shockingly, one member reportedly claimed to be just 17 years old in the chats.
Operational Insights Revealed
The leaked data provides unprecedented visibility into Black Basta’s activities:
- 380 unique ZoomInfo links used for target research
- Phishing templates and exploit details
- Cryptocurrency addresses for ransom payments
- Victim negotiation transcripts
- Discussions about TechCrunch coverage of their activities
Previously Unknown Targets
The logs mention several organizations not previously linked to Black Basta:
- Failed EV startup Fisker
- Health tech provider Cerner Corp (now Oracle-owned)
- UK travel firm Hotelplan
Technical Exploits and Vulnerabilities
The gang discussed exploiting:
- Citrix remote access products
- Security flaws in Ivanti, Palo Alto Networks, and Fortinet software
- Enterprise network devices (routers, firewalls)
Growing Internal Concerns
Messages reveal the group’s anxieties about:
- Russian authorities cracking down due to geopolitical pressures
- U.S. government actions, particularly after the Ascension breach
- One member warned: “FBI and CISA are 100% obliged to get involved”
Why the Leak Occurred
The leaker claimed Black Basta “crossed the line” by targeting Russian domestic banks, prompting the exposure. At time of publication, Black Basta’s dark web leak site was offline.
This unprecedented leak provides cybersecurity professionals and law enforcement with valuable intelligence to combat one of the world’s most dangerous ransomware operations.
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