LockBit Ransomware Targets Wichita City Following Unmasking of Group Leader

Despite the major collaborative effort by law enforcement agencies resulting in the exposure and sanctioning of Dmitry Yuryevich Khoroshev, the Russian national thought to be at the helm of LockBit’s widespread hacking operations, the hacker group shows no signs of ceasing its activities.

LockBit has reportedly launched a cyberattack on Wichita, Kansas, targeting state government and various local entities. The news of the Wichita cyberattack emerged on LockBit’s previously inactive platforms, which were reactivated after the shutdown of their official website.

Cyberattack on Wichita Post LockBit Leader Arrest

The Wichita cyberattack targeted the official website (wichita.gov), prompting concerns over the security of critical municipal systems. While the ransomware group has not yet released any compromised data, they have set a deadline of May 15, 2024, for its publication. 

The announcement by LockBit ransomware follows closely on the heels of an earlier notification by the city of Wichita regarding a ransomware attack on May 5, 2024, although the responsible ransomware gang was not initially disclosed. Wichita, the largest city in the state of Kansas, serves as the county seat of Sedgwick County and is a populous urban center in the region. 

The Cyber Express has reached out to the state government to learn more about this cyberattack on Wichita. However, at the time of writing this, no official statement or response has been received. However, the city of Wichita denoted a ransomware attack that targeted various government and private organizations within the city. 

Security Update from Wichita: Ransomware Group Remains Unnamed!

According to a press release by the city of Wichita, the recent posts from the state’s Cyber Security Incident Update indicate ongoing efforts by the city’s information technology department and security partners to address the cyberattack. 

“Many City systems are down as security experts determine the source and extent of the incident. There is no timetable for when systems could be coming back online. We appreciate your patience as we work through this incident as quickly and as thoroughly as possible”, reads the official press release. 

In the meantime, various city services and amenities have been impacted by the cyber incident, prompting adjustments to normal operations. Water systems remain secure and functional, with provisions in place for those experiencing difficulties paying bills or facing water shut-offs. 

Transit services, city vendors, park and recreation facilities, licensing procedures, and municipal court operations have all been affected to varying degrees, necessitating alternative arrangements such as cash payments and in-person transactions.

Similarly, services provided by cultural institutions, resource centers, planning departments, and housing and community services are also subject to modifications and delays as the city works to address the cyberattack. The city’s airport and library services have experienced disruptions to Wi-Fi access and digital infrastructure, although essential operations continue with minimal impact on services provided to the public.

This is an ongoing story and The Cyber Express will be closely monitoring the situation. We’ll update this post once we have more information on the cyberattack on Wichita or any new updates from the government. 

Media Disclaimer: This report is based on internal and external research obtained through various means. The information provided is for reference purposes only, and users bear full responsibility for their reliance on it. The Cyber Express assumes no liability for the accuracy or consequences of using this information.

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