Big money on the line

The State Department on Thursday announced a $10 million reward for anyone who can provide information on leaders of the cyber criminal group that launched a ransomware attack on Colonial Pipeline in May, which temporarily crippled gas supply for several states.

The reward is being issued for information on the identity and location of leads of the DarkSide ransomware variant cyber criminal group, which is believed to be based in Russia, and an additional $5 million reward for information on individuals looking to participate in a DarkSide ransomware attack.

“In offering this reward, the United States demonstrates its commitment to protecting ransomware victims around the world from exploitation by cyber criminals,” State Department spokesperson Ned Price said in a statement.

DarkSide was forced offline shortly after the Colonial Pipeline attack due to a reported law enforcement operation.