A 36-year-old Yemeni man, Rami Khaled Ahmed, has been charged by U.S. authorities for launching ransomware attacks, specifically using the Black Kingdom malware on approximately 1,500 systems, including schools and hospitals. He faces multiple charges including conspiracy and intentional damage to protected computers, with potential prison sentences of up to five years for each charge. Currently believed to be in Yemen, it remains uncertain if he will be extradited to the U.S. for prosecution.
Keypoints :
- Rami Khaled Ahmed, a Yemeni national, has been charged for ransomware attacks against U.S. organizations.
- He is alleged to have delivered Black Kingdom ransomware, targeting around 1,500 systems including schools and hospitals.
- Charges include conspiracy, intentional damage to a protected computer, and threatening damage to a protected computer.
- Ahmed faces potential prison sentences of up to five years for each charge.
- He is believed to be located in Yemen, raising questions about his prosecution in the U.S.
- The Black Kingdom ransomware gained notoriety between March 2021 and June 2023.
- Security experts noted the malware’s development appeared amateurish, with options to recover encrypted files without payment.
- The ransomware has been inactive in the headlines since 2021.
Read More: https://www.securityweek.com/us-charges-yemeni-man-for-black-kingdom-ransomware-attacks/