Canadian ransomware expert Edward Dubrovsky arrested federal hacking probe

According to CNN, Edward Dubrovsky was arrested in the Philadelphia area in recent days and appeared in federal court there Thursday, where a magistrate judge appointed a federal public defender to represent him.[1] CNN also reports that Dubrovsky is facing extortion conspiracy and threats charges.[1]FBI Director Kash Patel said on Friday that "Earlier this week, our agents in the field arrested another suspected co-conspirator"[1] of the group believed to be behind the hack. CNN says Patel also didn't name Dubrovsky, but CNN confirmed the defendant is tied to the FBI hack through multiple people familiar with the investigation.[1]BleepingComputer reports that because the complaint against Dubrovsky remains sealed, it is still unclear what he is accused of doing or whether the case is connected to the FBI breach.[2]According to KrebsOnSecurity, a source said the suspect's company specialized in handling ransomware negotiations with cybercrime groups.[3] BleepingComputer reports that Dubrovsky previously co-founded Canadian cybersecurity company CYPFER and has also been associated with CyberSteward[2].CyberScoop reports that the case docket shows the case has been moved to the Eastern District of Texas, where Dubrovsky will be detained until a detention hearing is scheduled.[4] CyberScoop also says neither Dubrovsky or CYPFER responded to requests for comment.[4]CNN reports that an investigation is ongoing into other people believed to be involved in the hack, the sources said.[1]