Ransomware Rebrand: Hunters International’s Comedic Exit and World Leaks’ Encryption-Free Debut
Hunters International’s farewell to encryption reads like a plot twist—minus the popcorn. They’ve swapped the ransomware drama for extortion-only reruns as World Leaks. This stealthy rebrand aims to ditch their dicey reputation, but don’t be fooled—it’s just an encryption-free encore with a side of cyber mischief.
Hot Take:
In the thrilling world of ransomware, Hunters International seems to have taken a page out of the rock band playbook: disband, rebrand, and come back with a new name. Who needs encryption when you can just extort? But seriously, it looks like this group is playing a game of cyber hide-and-seek, and the only thing missing is a catchy theme song.
Key Points:
- Hunters International linked to Hive ransomware group, active since October 2023.
- Transitioned from encryption-based extortion to a new project, World Leaks, in January 2025.
- World Leaks focuses on encryption-less, extortion-only attacks.
- Reported internal conflicts over encryption led to the group’s split.
- Group-IB believes the rebrand was a strategic move to distance from the ransomware label.
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