The U.S. Department of Justice has charged Yemeni national Rami Khaled Ahmed for deploying the Black Kingdom ransomware, targeting various organizations, including businesses, schools, and hospitals in the U.S. Ahmed and his co-conspirators allegedly infected around 1,500 computer systems from March 2021 to June 2023, demanding ransoms in Bitcoin. The case reflects ongoing efforts by U.S. authorities to combat ransomware and cybercrime.
Keypoints :
- Rami Khaled Ahmed of Yemen charged for deploying Black Kingdom ransomware.
- Targets included U.S. businesses, schools, and hospitals from March 2021 to June 2023.
- Ahmed exploited a vulnerability in Microsoft Exchange Server to infect networks.
- The ransomware demanded ,000 in Bitcoin from victims after encrypting data.
- Ahmed faces a maximum sentence of five years in federal prison if convicted.
- FBI and New Zealand Police are investigating the case.
- U.S. authorities are firming up actions against cybercrime amid a rise in decentralized ransomware operations.
- Ransomware incidents are surging, but more organizations are refusing to pay ransoms.
- 2024 saw a median ransom payment decline to 5,000, with 64% of victims not paying.
- North America and Europe are the most affected regions, with various sectors targeted including healthcare and manufacturing.
Read More: https://thehackernews.com/2025/05/us-charges-yemeni-hacker-behind-black.html