
The dark web site of the Everest hacker group—used for publishing stolen data and extorting victims—was breached and defaced. In place of the usual list of victims, a stark message appeared: “Do not commit crimes. CRIME IS BAD.”
At the time of this report, the site remained inaccessible in its original form. It is still unclear whether the breach resulted in any data leaks from the group itself.
Everest is a well-known hacking collective that has been active since 2020, targeting numerous organizations. Among its victims is the cannabis retailer Stiiizy, from which it reportedly stole the personal data of 420,000 customers. The group has also been linked to cyberattacks on NASA and the Brazilian government.
Despite the ongoing surge in ransomware incidents, recent reports reveal a growing trend of victims refusing to pay. According to analysts at Chainalysis, the total amount paid in ransoms has significantly declined in 2024.
In recent years, law enforcement agencies have intensified efforts against cybercriminals, resulting in the arrests of members from notorious groups such as LockBit and Radar. Meanwhile, some hacker collectives have also fallen prey to internal leaks and acts of sabotage.