Black Basta

Black Basta is a financially motivated ransomware group that emerged in April 2022 and has since compromised approximately 800 organizations worldwide. The group operates as a Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS) model with suspected ties to the now-defunct Conti ransomware operation, though their exact country of origin remains unconfirmed by law enforcement agencies. Black Basta primarily gains initial access through phishing campaigns, exploitation of known vulnerabilities, and credential stuffing attacks, subsequently deploying their custom ransomware that employs ChaCha20 encryption algorithm and employs double extortion tactics by exfiltrating sensitive data before encryption and threatening to publish it on their leak site if ransom demands are not met. The group has demonstrated a preference for targeting organizations in the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Canada, and Italy, with a particular focus on business services, manufacturing, technology, healthcare, and agriculture sectors. Notable victims have included various healthcare systems and manufacturing companies, though specific ransom amounts and high-profile attacks have not been widely disclosed in public law enforcement advisories. As of 2024, Black Basta remains an active threat with continued operations and regular updates to their leak site indicating ongoing compromise activities.