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Ransomware crew Hunters International shuts down, hands out keys to victims

We, at Hunters International, wish to inform you of a significant decision regarding our operations. After careful consideration and in light of recent developments, we have decided to close the Hunters International project. This decision was not made lightly, and we recognize the impact it has on the organizations we have interacted with. As a gesture of goodwill and to assist those affected by our previous activities, we are offering free decryption software to all companies that have been impacted by our ransomware. Our goal is to ensure that you can recover your encrypted data without the burden of paying ransoms. We understand the challenges that ransomware attacks pose, and we hope that this initiative will help you regain access to your critical information swiftly and efficiently. To access the decryption tools and receive guidance on the recovery process, please visit our official website. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation during this transition. Our commitment to supporting affected organizations remains our priority as we conclude our operations.

In a Thursday surprise, ransomware gang Hunters International announced they are closing the project and are offering their past victims free decryptor keys if they need them. The Register reports:

Ransomware gang Hunters International has shut up shop and offered decryption keys to all victims as a parting favor.

Announcing the news on Thursday morning, the gang deleted all victim data from its dark web leak site and issued a statement confirming its closure.

“We, at Hunters International, wish to inform you of a significant decision regarding our operations,” it said. 

“After careful consideration and in light of recent developments, we have decided to close the Hunters International project. This decision was not made lightly, and we recognize the impact it has on the organizations we have interacted with.”

The statement did not go into detail about the reasons for the decision, or what the “recent developments” were, but it does not come as a surprise given its previous communications about ransomware becoming more trouble than it’s worth.

Read more at The Register.

Related: Ransomware: Hunters International Is Not Shutting Down, It’s Rebranding