Hey there, tech fans! Today, let’s dive into a wild cybercrime saga that’s stirring up trouble in the digital world.

Recently, a notorious ransomware group linked to attacks on major UK retailers like Marks and Spencer, Harrods, and Co-Op has started a fierce turf war with a rival gang. This battle could lead to even more hacks and double extortions, causing headaches for companies everywhere.

The fighting is mainly between DragonForce, a Russian-speaking cybercriminal outfit responsible for numerous high-profile attacks this year, and RansomHub, a major competitor in the ransomware-as-a-service scene. Cybersecurity experts warn that this feud might make companies vulnerable to being extorted twice, as these groups compete for dominance.

According to Toby Lewis from Darktrace, the underground hacking world has little regard for honor. Groups are often eager to outdo each other by attacking the same targets or upstaging rivals, which escalates the threat landscape.

Both gangs sell tools and infrastructure via the dark web, helping affiliates commit cybercrimes. Recently, DragonForce rebranded itself as a ‘‘cartel’’ and expanded its services to attract more partners, leading to a hostile takeover of RansomHub’s site in March, which resulted in retaliation from RansomHub members defacing DragonForce’s site.

Cybersecurity analysts suggest DragonForce might be trying to recruit RansomHub’s affiliates by attacking its rivals like BlackLock and Mamona, increasing the likelihood of a chaotic, violent environment that can harm victims — even causing a victim to be targeted twice by different groups.

This phenomenon isn’t just theoretical. Last year, US healthcare giant UnitedHealth Group was hit twice thanks to infighting among cybercriminal gangs, illustrating how devastating these conflicts can be for victims.

With cybercrime costs projected to reach $10 trillion in 2025, these groups are more aggressive than ever. While DragonForce had 82 victims on its site last year, RansomHub boasted around 500 in 2024, showing how rapidly this dark industry is growing.

Experts like Jake Moore warn that such volatility puts everyone at risk, making it harder for companies to defend against these ruthless cyber adversaries. The wild west of cybercrime is getting wilder, and businesses must stay vigilant to avoid becoming caught in the crossfire.