In the world of computers and the internet, there’s a type of bad software called ransomware. This nasty software can lock people out of their files unless they pay money. A new group that makes this ransomware, called Funksec, is causing trouble. They quickly became a big problem in December, being behind a lot of attacks.
Interestingly, the people in Funksec might not be experts in making this bad software. They were involved in something called hacktivism before, which is when people hack for a cause or to send a message. The surprise here is that these guys seem to be using something called generative AI to make their ransomware even though they’re not super tech-savvy. This AI is like a smart tool that can learn and create things on its own, so it’s helping them move fast.
Funksec’s ransomware is different from other groups. They ask for less money, only $10,000, and even sell stolen data for cheap. This tells us they’re more focused on hitting lots of targets rather than just a few big ones.
The ransomware by Funksec is made with a language called Rust. The creators were quite proud of how it wasn’t easily caught by security programs, talking about it online. They even left a little clue by mistake, a pathway on their computer that led to someone named Abdellah.
Once it gets into a computer, Funksec’s ransomware hunts down all kinds of files on all the drives and locks them up. It even changes the file names to include “.funksec.” And, from comments found in their code, it looks like an AI with a lot of language skills helped them write the program.
Funksec is also connected to other hacker groups and supports a cause called “Free Palestine.” They’ve even said they want to target America, focusing on the government and businesses.
The sudden rise of Funksec shows how AI can reduce the skills needed for creating cyber threats. With AI assistance, even those with limited tech knowledge can become significant threats. It’s an interesting, albeit concerning, development that everyone who uses a computer should be aware of.
Now, this might sound scary, but there’s help out there. Companies like Diversified Outlook Group specialize in protecting against these online bad guys. If you’re worried about ransomware and how to stay safe, they can provide guidance, support, and security solutions tailored to your needs. For more information on how Diversified Outlook Group can assist you in safeguarding your digital world, reach out to them at support@diversifiedoutlookgroup.com.
For more details on the new ransomware group, Funksec, and their use of AI, visit the full article at www.csoonline.com/article/3811419/neue-ransomware-gruppe-funksec-profitiert-von-llms.html.