After a relatively quiet period during 2022, cybercriminals are back stronger than ever. Ransomware attacks, which decreased dramatically last year, have multiplied in recent months, with cybercriminals using increasingly aggressive methods.

Experts at Chainalysis, a company specializing in blockchain monitoring, saw a significant reduction in the number of ransomware attacks last year. Cybercriminals got less than $500 million in ransom demanded in cryptocurrencies during this period.

However, 2023 has seen a worrying reversal in this trend. In the first six months of the year, hackers have extorted $449.1 million. If this trend continues, the annual haul could reach as high as $898.6 million, approaching the 2021 record.

At the same time, Chainalysis and other observers, such as ReliaQuest, have seen an increase in ransomware activity. Some groups, such as Lockbit, which can now attack Mac users, have stepped up their efforts.

Despite a decline in earnings last year, criminals have developed "more extreme" extortion tactics, according to Chainalysis' Jackie Burns Koven. Faced with the refusal of their victims to pay, many hackers are resorting to publishing sensitive data and violating personal privacy as an intimidation tactic.

In addition, the first half of 2023 has seen the emergence of a new ransomware group called Royal, which mainly targets US companies, as well as the emergence of Rorschach, a mysterious malware that has established itself as the world's most feared ransomware.

The proliferation of attacks is also due to the rise of ransomware as a service (RaaS). These malware are available by subscription, allowing any aspiring hacker to deploy ransomware without the need for extensive technical knowledge.

This combination of aggressive extortion methods and accessibility to ransomware services has led to a dramatic increase in attacks. It is crucial that businesses and individuals are more vigilant than ever and take appropriate measures to protect themselves.

source: wired