The FBI and law-enforcement partners kept secret the “Sodinokibi” (aka REvil) ransomware decryption key for almost three weeks after the Kaseya ransomware supply-chain attack of mid-2021. They cited an intention to prevent the Sodinokibi group’s discovery of a takedown operation; media outlets argue that an earlier release of the decryption key could have saved many victims time and money in their data recovery. Leading up to its contentious decision to withhold the key, the FBI likely weighed the value of collecting intelligence about Sodinokibi―and disrupting the group―against the needs of some victims. The media has called the decision unjust in hindsight, but without knowing the law-enforcement agencies’ full intentions, the best choice of action remains elusive.
Digital Shadows
Threat Intelligence and Digital Risk Protection Resources
