Researchers reveal a ransomware gang responsible for more than 80 attacks in December, setting a record for the month.
A new report by Check Point reveals FunkSec, a recently emerged group of amateur hackers seeking fame and visibility.
FunkSec targets victims primarily in the U.S., India, Italy, Brazil, Israel, Spain, and Mongolia, demanding modest ransoms as low as $10,000 and selling stolen data at discounted rates.
The newest ransomware from FunkSec, called FunkSec V1, appears to have been created with AI support and was uploaded from Algeria, possibly by its originator.
According to researchers, AI was employed by the developer to rapidly improve the tool and address deficiencies in their technical proficiency.
AI was probably used to generate flawless code comments in English, which stood in stark contrast to the simplistic English seen on FunkSec's other platforms. The group also launched an AI chatbot to assist in its operations.
In addition to its ransomware, the group also offers tools commonly used in hacktivism, including services for DDoS attacks, remote desktop control, and password creation.
Several members of the group have a history in hacktivism and claim to focus on targets in India and the U.S., aligning themselves with the ‘Free Palestine’ movement while attempting to associate with defunct hacktivist groups like Ghost Algeria and Cyb3r Fl00d.
