HellCat Ransomware Group: Internal Disputes and Competing Claims Expose Dark Side of Cybercrime

In recent developments within the cybercrime ecosystem, the notorious ransomware group HellCat has come under scrutiny due to internal disputes and claims of data breaches involving high-profile victims like Orange and HighWire Press. This case reveals not only the tensions between rival groups and affiliates but also the shadowy tactics that define the world of ransomware operations.

Unpacking the HellCat Scandal: Rivalry, Claims, and Data Leaks

HellCat, a prominent player in the world of ransomware, has recently faced criticism amid rival claims from its own affiliates and other cybercriminal groups. The investigation, conducted by SuspectFile.com, has brought to light the complex dynamics of the ransomware industry, specifically the competition and confusion surrounding the handling of attack claims and data breaches. Two primary affiliates—Rey and grep—have raised their own allegations, each linked to different targets, further complicating the situation.

Rey has publicly claimed responsibility for breaching Orange, while grep has disclosed a separate incident involving HighWire Press. These claims have been broadcasted on BreachForums and later circulated by Babuk2, another infamous ransomware group. Babuk2 republished portions of HighWire Press’s data, only for HellCat to deny that any collaboration or data exchange had occurred between the groups. HellCat clarified that its breach of HighWire Press extended beyond the initial data exposed by grep, alleging that further systems had been compromised post-attack.

Both Rey and grep’s involvement in the HellCat operation is clear, emphasizing the group’s centralized structure and the often-overlapping roles of affiliates. HellCat’s response to these incidents serves to defend its reputation, prevent the distortion of its attack narratives, and ensure fair credit is attributed to its affiliates. This dispute illustrates a growing trend in ransomware where rival factions and opportunistic behaviors cloud the true story behind data breaches, often complicating attribution and increasing confusion for researchers and victims alike.

The Babuk2 Controversy: Who Owns the Data?

Another key controversy in this case revolves around Babuk2’s role in the HighWire Press breach. HellCat has publicly stated that it did not collaborate with Babuk2 in any way and that the data dump from the HighWire Press attack was shared exclusively with cybersecurity researcher Troy Hunt, the founder of “Have I Been Pwned,” not distributed through underground markets. This claim aims to control the flow of stolen data, a crucial aspect for ransomware groups who depend on their reputation to secure extortion payments. HellCat strongly denied any leaks or connections to Babuk2, reinforcing its control over the situation and maintaining its standing in the competitive world of cybercrime.

What Undercode Says: Understanding the Deeper Implications

The investigation into HellCat’s internal disputes reveals much about the broader dynamics at play within the ransomware industry. The fragmented and fiercely competitive nature of this underground economy makes it incredibly difficult to trace the origins and flow of cyberattacks accurately. Rival groups like Babuk2, for example, often capitalize on data leaks to enhance their own reputations or create chaos within the already chaotic ransomware ecosystem.

HellCat’s reaction highlights the critical importance of managing a group’s narrative and reputation in this environment. A ransomware group’s success hinges not only on its ability to execute attacks but also on how it manages its image within the underground community. Affiliates like Rey and grep may claim responsibility for high-profile breaches, but the mother group, HellCat, aims to control how credit and visibility are distributed. This internal power struggle is a microcosm of the larger cybercrime scene, where reputations are as valuable as the stolen data itself.

At the same time, the increase in rival groups and secondary actors like Babuk2 makes it harder for victims to know who is truly responsible for a breach. Misinformation, exaggeration, and opportunistic behavior distort the narrative, creating confusion for cybersecurity experts and law enforcement. The overlapping claims between HellCat, Rey, grep, and Babuk2 not only muddy the waters but also raise significant challenges for those trying to mitigate the risks posed by ransomware attacks. These overlapping claims complicate the forensic process and hinder the ability of victims to pursue recovery or mitigation strategies.

What’s especially concerning is the lack of transparency in ransomware operations. HellCat, for example, has refused to disclose key technical details regarding how it infiltrates targets, exfiltrates data, or communicates with affiliates. This secrecy allows HellCat to maintain a veil of mystery, protecting its methods from public scrutiny. It also makes it harder for researchers to analyze these groups’ tactics and develop effective defenses. This silence underscores the operational discipline within ransomware groups, as they carefully balance visibility and secrecy to stay one step ahead of cybersecurity professionals and law enforcement.

Moreover, the focus on controlling the narrative and managing reputations shows that ransomware is increasingly becoming a brand-driven industry. The competition for visibility and influence, often driven by affiliate claims and data leaks, shapes the behavior of these groups. Maintaining a strong internal structure, ensuring affiliates toe the line, and safeguarding the flow of stolen data are critical for survival in this competitive and lucrative environment.

Fact Checker Results

HellCat maintains tight control over its data leaks and avoids collaborating with secondary ransomware groups like Babuk2, according to the group’s public statements.
Despite competing claims between Rey, grep, and HellCat, there’s no clear evidence that Babuk2 was involved in the breach beyond republishing data.
The lack of transparency from HellCat about its techniques and methods is in line with broader ransomware group behavior aimed at avoiding detection and maintaining operational secrecy.