The DarkSide Ransomware hacking group is allegedly building a new secure data leak service in Iran. The group of hackers claims that they are working on a distributed storage system as of the moment.
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The new service will be used to store and spread victims' stolen sensitive user information. The DarkSide even deposited $320 thousand on a hacker forum just to make an impression that they're serious.
The cyber attackers work as a Ransomware-as-a-Service (Raas). They hire affiliates to encrypt their devices on the target businesses. Meanwhile, the developers are in charge of programming the payment site and ransomware software.
In their arrangement with the other groups, the DarkSide ransomware developers' cut is around 10% to 25%. On the other hand, the affiliates receive 75% to 90% of any ransom payments they generate.
Hackers, who are looking to distribute their malicious programs, must first apply for access since the DarkSide is a private operation.
DarkSide's upcoming storage system
According to Bleeping Computer's latest report, on Nov. 12, the cybersecurity intelligence firm Kela revealed DarkSide operators' new posted topic on a Russian-speaking hacker forum.
The ransomware gang explained that they are currently developing a distributed storage system for their victims' stolen information. This new service will help the DarkSide prevent cybersecurity firms and law enforcement from actively taking down the data leak sites.
"Some targets think that if a lot of data has been downloaded from them, then after their publication, hackers and other people will download it for a long time through the TOR. We think so too, so we will change it," said the DarkSide operators, as reported by Bleeping Computer.
Ransomware group releases affiliate program
Right now, the DarkSide is the latest hacking group that has launched an affiliate program as part of its bid to extend revenue.
However, unlike other ransomware gangs, the DarkSide has rules of its own. The developers said that they are paying their affiliates $400,000 on average, and their revenue is around 10% to 25%, depending on the ransom's size.
Bank Info Security reported that the cybersecurity firm Kela said that the hackers claim that their average ransom is between $1.6 million and $4 million.
For more news updates about the DarkSide or other hacking groups, always keep your tabs open here at TechTimes.
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Written by: Giuliano de Leon.
