UK Teens Charged Over $115M Scattered Spider Ransomware Attacks on 47 US Firms

UK Teens Charged in Scattered Spider Ransomware Attacks LONDON (AP) - Two British teenagers have been charged in connection with the Scattered Spider ransomware attacks that compromised the networks of 47 US companies, generating over $115 million in payments between 2019 and 2022. According to a federal complaint unsealed on Thursday, Thalha Jubair, 19, of London, was part of the English-language-speaking group that breached the networks of scores of companies worldwide. The group demanded hefty ransoms or threatened to publish confidential data obtained during the attacks. Jubair and fellow alleged Scattered Spider member Owen Flowers, 18, from Walsall, West Midlands, were also charged by UK prosecutors in connection with last year's cyberattack on Transport for London (TfL). The agency faced a monthslong recovery effort after the breach. "We take these allegations very seriously," said a TfL spokesperson. "We are cooperating fully with the authorities to ensure those responsible are held accountable." The Scattered Spider group is believed to have operated globally, targeting companies in various sectors, including finance and healthcare. The attacks often involved encrypting data and demanding payment in Bitcoin. "This case highlights the growing threat of ransomware attacks on global businesses," said a spokesperson for the US Department of Justice. "We will continue to work with our international partners to disrupt and dismantle these types of operations." The charges against Jubair and Flowers come as part of an ongoing investigation into the Scattered Spider group, which has been linked to other high-profile ransomware attacks worldwide. Background on the Scattered Spider group reveals a sophisticated operation that leveraged social engineering tactics to gain access to company networks. The group's use of English-language communications and demands for payment in Bitcoin suggests a level of organization and planning. The case also highlights the growing threat of cybercrime, which has become a major concern for governments and businesses worldwide. As the global economy becomes increasingly digital, the risk of ransomware attacks is expected to continue rising. The next developments in this case are expected to unfold in the coming weeks as authorities continue to investigate and prosecute those involved in the Scattered Spider operations. *Reporting by Arstechnica.*