Japanese police release decryptor for Phobos ransomware after February takedown

Japan’s National Police Agency published a free decryptor and guide for victims of Phobos and its spinoff 8Base; the report also details international law enforcement actions including indictments, arrests, and takedowns tied to operators who allegedly collected about $16 million from roughly 1,000 victims worldwide, and highlights the groups’ double-extortion and affiliate distribution tactics along with notable victim ransom payments and sectors impacted.