wastedlocker

WastedLocker is a sophisticated ransomware operation that emerged in July 2020, primarily motivated by financial gain through targeted attacks against high-value organizations. The group is believed to have Russian origins and operates independently rather than as a Ransomware-as-a-Service model, with security researchers linking it to the Evil Corp cybercriminal organization previously associated with the Dridex banking trojan. WastedLocker operators typically gain initial access through spear-phishing campaigns and exploit kits, utilizing legitimate administrative tools for lateral movement and employing custom encryption algorithms to lock victims' files, while notably focusing on data encryption rather than exfiltration-based extortion tactics. The group gained significant attention for targeting major U.S. organizations, including a high-profile attack against Garmin in July 2020 that reportedly resulted in a multi-million dollar ransom demand and temporary disruption of the company's services. Current intelligence suggests WastedLocker activity has significantly declined following increased law enforcement scrutiny and sanctions against Evil Corp members, with minimal confirmed operations reported since late 2021.