Ransom-related coverage examines extortion demands, data theft, and disruption caused when attackers lock or threaten to expose systems.
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Background for this topic.
Ransomware is malicious software that disrupts access to systems or data, typically by encrypting files, to pressure a victim into paying. Modern campaigns may also steal data and threaten to publish it, making the demand a form of extortion even when encryption is unsuccessful. Common access routes include phishing, exposed remote services, stolen credentials, and unpatched vulnerabilities, though no single route is universal.
Important safeguards include regularly tested, offline or otherwise isolated backups; multifactor authentication and least-privilege access; network segmentation; and timely remediation of known, internet-facing vulnerabilities. During an incident, organizations should isolate affected systems, preserve evidence, identify the scope of compromise, and coordinate recovery and legal or regulatory decisions. Payment does not guarantee data recovery or deletion. Threat intelligence may help identify associated infrastructure or available decryptors, while documented recovery plans reduce dependence on an attacker’s demands.
The ransomware strain known as BlackSuit has demanded as much as $500 million in ransoms to date, with one individual ransom demand hitting $60 million
CISA and the FBI confirmed today that the Royal ransomware rebranded to BlackSuit and has demanded over $500 million from victims since it emerged more than two years ago. [...]
CISA and the FBI confirmed today that the Royal ransomware rebranded to BlackSuit and has demanded over $500 million from victims since it emerged more than two years ago. [...]
On Tuesday, IT and phone systems at McLaren Health Care hospitals were disrupted following an attack linked to the INC Ransom ransomware operation. [...]
A new survey reveals that organizations are suffering an average of eight ransomware incidents per year and paying millions in ransom
A ransomware group called Dark Angels made headlines this past week when it was revealed the crime group recently received a record $75 million data ransom payment from a Fortune 50 company. Security experts say the Dark Angels have been around since 2021, but the group doesn't get much press because they work alone and maintain a low profile, picking one target at a time and favoring mass data theft over disrupting the victim's operations.