Cybersecurity Pros Admit to Moonlighting as BlackCat Ransomware Affiliates

Two U.S.-based cybersecurity professionals pleaded guilty to acting as affiliates for the ALPHV/BlackCat ransomware RaaS, exploiting their skills to breach networks, extort victims (including a $1.2M ransom), launder proceeds, and operate from April–December 2023; the Justice Department later disrupted the gang (seizing sites and releasing a decryptor) and the defendants face sentencing in March 2026.