Fact Check: "REvil ransomware gang was linked to high-profile targets like Lady Gaga and Trump"
What We Know
The REvil ransomware gang, also known as Sodinokibi, is a notorious cybercriminal group that has been linked to several high-profile cyberattacks. The group is primarily known for its ransomware-as-a-service (RaaS) model, which allows affiliates to deploy their ransomware in exchange for a share of the ransom payments. REvil has been implicated in multiple high-profile attacks, including a significant breach of the law firm Grubman Shire Meiselas & Sacks, where they stole sensitive information and threatened to publish it unless a ransom was paid (source-1).
In May 2020, REvil publicly threatened to release sensitive information about Donald Trump, demanding a ransom of $42 million from the law firm that represented him (source-2). They claimed to have obtained damaging information related to Trump during their attack on the law firm. Additionally, on May 16, 2020, they released legal documents related to singer Lady Gaga, further solidifying their connection to high-profile targets (source-1).
Analysis
The claim that the REvil ransomware gang was linked to high-profile targets like Lady Gaga and Trump is substantiated by multiple credible sources. The group indeed targeted the law firm representing Trump and threatened to leak sensitive information, which aligns with their modus operandi of extorting high-profile individuals and organizations (source-3).
However, while the threats made by REvil were serious, it is essential to note that the actual release of damaging information about Trump was not confirmed to have occurred. The group did release documents related to Lady Gaga, but the extent of the information's sensitivity is not fully detailed in the sources (source-5).
The reliability of the sources discussing these events is generally high, as they come from established cybersecurity reports and reputable news outlets. However, there is always a degree of uncertainty in the claims made by cybercriminals, as they often exaggerate their capabilities to instill fear and pressure victims into paying ransoms (source-7).
Conclusion
The claim that the REvil ransomware gang was linked to high-profile targets like Lady Gaga and Trump is Partially True. While the gang did indeed threaten to release sensitive information about both individuals and made demands for ransom, the actual impact and the extent of the information released remain unclear. The group's activities confirm their targeting of high-profile individuals, but the lack of confirmed damaging leaks about Trump specifically limits the claim's overall accuracy.
