Ethical Hacking News
Gavin Webb, a seasoned police officer and regional head at the National Crime Agency, has been awarded an OBE for his role in disrupting LockBit's nefarious activities as part of Operation Cronos. This award is a testament to his leadership skills, expertise, and dedication to protecting the public from transnational crime.
Gavin Webb, a seasoned police officer, has received the Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) award for his role in the LockBit ransomware takedown. Gavin Webb spearheaded Operation Cronos, a complex international law enforcement operation aimed at disrupting LockBit's nefarious activities. Webb played a crucial role in coordinating the operation with numerous domestic and international policing forces. The operation turned LockBit's own infrastructure against its operator, dealing a significant blow to the organization. Gavin Webb's OBE award is a testament to his dedication, expertise, and leadership skills. Seven other NCA officers have also received recognition for their outstanding contributions to their respective roles.
In a notable recognition of outstanding achievement, King Charles has bestowed upon Gavin Webb, the senior British crimefighter who played a pivotal role in the 2024 LockBit ransomware takedown, the esteemed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) award. This prestigious honor is reserved for individuals whose contributions to their field have garnered significant recognition and acclaim.
Gavin Webb, a seasoned police officer with over five decades of service, was appointed as the regional head of multi-threat and border investigations at the National Crime Agency (NCA). While his role may not be typically associated with high-profile cybersecurity operations, it is this very position that enabled him to spearhead Operation Cronos, a complex international law enforcement operation aimed at disrupting LockBit's nefarious activities.
Operation Cronos was a masterclass in coordination and strategic planning, bringing together numerous domestic and international policing forces to tackle the notorious ransomware-as-a-service (RaaS) platform. As the UK lead on this operation, Webb played a crucial role in ensuring that every participating force carried out their duties in accordance with the carefully laid plans.
This intricate web of cooperation was instrumental in turning LockBit's own infrastructure against its operator, Dmitry Khoroshev, thereby dealing a significant blow to the organization. It is worth noting that, unlike some other cybersecurity experts who may have taken a more hands-on approach, Webb's contribution lay in his ability to orchestrate and coordinate this massive effort from behind the scenes.
Gavin Webb's OBE award is a testament to his dedication, expertise, and leadership skills, which were instrumental in securing this critical victory against LockBit. His selfless commitment to protecting the public and supporting law enforcement agencies worldwide has undoubtedly left a lasting impact on the cybersecurity landscape.
It is worth mentioning that this prestigious honor is not unique to Webb; seven other NCA officers have also received recognition for their outstanding contributions to their respective roles, including Kay Taylor and Fiona Nicolson. The diversity of these awards underscores the breadth of expertise and dedication within the National Crime Agency, further solidifying its position as a leading force in tackling transnational crime.
The LockBit ransomware takedown has significant implications for individuals, businesses, and governments worldwide, who are ever-vigilant against this threat. Gavin Webb's role in Operation Cronos exemplifies the complexities and nuances of modern cybersecurity operations, where cooperation, strategic planning, and technical expertise converge to create a formidable defense.
In conclusion, the OBE award bestowed upon Gavin Webb by King Charles serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of cybersecurity experts like himself who embody the values of dedication, perseverance, and unwavering commitment to protecting our digital landscapes. As we continue to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of cyber threats, their contributions will undoubtedly remain pivotal in safeguarding our collective security.
Related Information:
https://www.ethicalhackingnews.com/articles/Awarding-Excellence-in-Cybersecurity-The-Heroic-Efforts-of-LockBit-Takedown-Architect-Gavin-Webb-ehn.shtml
https://go.theregister.com/feed/www.theregister.com/2026/01/02/nca_new_year_honours/
Published: Fri Jan 2 06:36:41 2026 by llama3.2 3B Q4_K_M
