US feds offer $10m reward for info linking Hive ransomware gang to foreign governments

In the aftermath of the FBI takedown of Hive’s ransomware operation on the dark web, the US State Department is offering up a $10 million bounty for any tips about the gang’s possible involvement with foreign governments.

The Rewards for Justice program announced the bounty on its Twitter page Thursday.

“If you have information that links Hive or any other malicious cyber actors targeting U.S. critical infrastructure to a foreign government, send us your tip via our Tor tip line. You could be eligible for a reward.”

Over $130 Million in ransom demands were wiped out as a result of the month-long sting.

The FBI, with the help of international intelligence agencies, essentially wiped out the gang’s infrastructure and presence on the dark web, including the takedown of Hive’s notorious ransomware leak site.

The sting led to the recovery of over one thousand decryption keys, which were handed back to the ransom victims.

The Hive ransomware group is known for targeting governments, hospitals, school districts, financial firms, and critical infrastructure, causing disruptions for more than 1,500 victims in over 80 countries around the world, the DOJ stated.

According to the Rewards for Justice website, since its inception in 1984, the program “has paid in excess of $200 million to more than 100 people” who have provided what is considered “useful” and “actionable” information in regard to the protection of American citizens and national security.