Kraken ransomware group
Kraken is one of the extortion operations we watch continuously. This page covers what is known about the group and the current state of its leak site, which we last saw change 23d ago.
Who they are
Kraken leak blog (hellokitty)
Kraken is a ransomware family first observed in August 2018 as a Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS) operation promoted on underground forums. The malware encrypts files with AES encryption (keys protected with RSA) and appends the .kraken extension to encrypted files. Early versions distributed by affiliates were bundled with Azorult spyware, enabling credential and cryptocurrency wallet theft before encryption. Kraken’s operators enforced strict rules for affiliates, including geographic restrictions on attacks, and provided customizable ransom notes and payment portals. Victims were instructed to pay in Bitcoin via Tor-hosted sites. Distribution methods included malicious email attachments, compromised RDP services, and downloads from malicious or compromised websites. Although its activity declined significantly after late 2018, Kraken remains notable for its hybrid model of ransomware deployment combined with credential theft.
Current status
Kraken's leak site is not answering. Sites go dark for infrastructure trouble, a deliberate quiet period, or a takedown, and a good number return weeks later under the same name, so the entry stays on the list either way.
The last change we recorded on it was 23d ago (13 Aug 2026 06:13 UTC).
Which organisations this group has named, and when, is part of the SINON platform rather than this page. Create an account to search it, or to be told automatically if a name you care about turns up.
Sectors targeted
This group does not state an industry on its site, so we have nothing reliable to report. Most crews are opportunistic rather than sector-specific in any case — they hit what they can reach.
Watching for your name
If Kraken posts your company, a supplier or a subsidiary, you want to hear it from us rather than from a journalist. SINON checks these sites continuously and alerts on the names you give it.
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