Quote:The Darkside ransomware group has distinguished itself from its cybercriminal counterparts not by technical innovation, but by slapping a shiny corporate veneer on its attacks. The latest evolution in Darkside’s ransomware-as-a-corporation gimmick is a hefty $20,000 donation that the group made with stolen Bitcoin to two international charitable organizations, The Water Project and Children International, which they then mysteriously announced by a press release.
 
“Altruism isn’t a common trait in criminal extortion gangs, so it’s difficult to take their motivations at their word,” Chris Clements with Cerberus Sentinel said in a statement about the donations.
 
The Water Project did not immediately respond to Threatpost’s inquiries. Children’s International told Threatpost that the matter is being investigated.
 
“We are aware of the situation and are researching it internally,” Lauren Jurgens from Children’s International told Threatpost by email. “If the donation is linked to a hacker, we have no intention of keeping it.”
 
Darkside announced the deposits on October 13 through one of its corporatized “press releases” posted on a dark web portal, according to BBC, along with tax receipts for the donations for .88 Bitcoin for each group, or $10,000 apiece.
 
“The most troubling realization here is that the cybercriminals have made so much money through extortion that donating $20,000 is chump change to them,” Clements added.