LockBitSupp Banned for Being a ‘Ripper’: Controversy Erupts on Russian-Language Forums

Pull up a chair mate, let’s have a quick natter on the latest hullabaloo in the cybersecurity world, particularly in the realm of ransomware. It’s a tale of a controversial character, dubbed “LockBitSupp”, who’s been swept off the stage in the notorious Russian-language online forums XSS.is, and subsequently, Exploit.in, resulting in a right scandal.

Now, I’m sure you’re wondering, “what the Dickens has LockBitSupp done?” Well, strap in, because it’s quite the brouhaha. LockBitSupp’s tumble from grace all began with an argument over a transaction with another forum user named Michon.

Michon, who seems to be some sort of matchmaker in the murky world of internet villainy, undertook a deal that provided LockBitSupp the access to a particular victim of his cyber exploits. LockBitSupp managed to successfully squeeze a handsome ransom, but then, his shroud of respectability began to fray at the edges when he failed to settle the dues with Michon. No goody two-shoes, that LockBitSupp.

Even though the exact payment details weren’t explicitly agreed upon from the get-go, you’d expect a bit of fair play, wouldn’t you? LockBitSupp had profited off the handiwork of Michon, so a cheeky percentage for the facilitator would only be logical and fair. Even the chaps who moderate the forum thought so. They stepped into the squabble, suggesting that LockBitSupp cough up 10% of his ill-gotten gains to settle the dispute.

However, this created quite the bombshell – LockBitSupp point-blank refused. Wouldn’t even entertain the idea, and trotted out a series of excuses that failed to gather much sympathy from the watching audience.

So, it came as a bit of a hammer blow, but not entirely surprised, when LockBitSupp was labelled as being ‘RIPPER.’ Remember, in the murky shadowy world of Cybercrime, the RIPPER tag is like having a flashing neon sign above your head saying “Untrustworthy, steer clear!”

The upshot of all this kerfuffle? LockBitSupp was shown the digital door by XSS.is and Exploit.in. He tried to make an appeal to RAMP, another online forum, and while they seemed to be somewhat on his side, it didn’t change the bans elsewhere.

Poor old LockBitSupp, hey? Suddenly, he’s like the boy stood alone in the playground, with the other forums shunning him and his reputation stained. He might’ve had a bit of a sympathy vote on RAMP, but without the buzz of the other forums, he hasn’t got quite the platform for his dubious shenanigans.

So, that’s the latest juicy drama from the wild world of ransomware. One rogue player got a bit too big for his boots, and the community wasn’t having it. A right cautionary tale of what happens when you don’t play by the peculiar rules of this cyber underworld. Don’t forget, next time you’re making a deal and someone offers you a fair solution, it might be best just to take it, eh?

by Parker Bytes