Ransomware attacks are hitting record highs in 2024 and show no sign of slowing down as new criminal groups enter the scene and employ a variety of evolving tactics. This post identifies key highlights of ransomware activity in 2024 so far. Multiple recent security reports have reported a significant increase in ransomware attacks claimed by […]
Ransomware
LockBit Takedown Indicates Shifting DOJ Cyber Strategy and Has Implications for Ransomware Victims
On May 7, 2024, the United States unsealed an indictment against Dmitry Yuryevich Khoroshev, one of the leaders of the Russian-based ransomware group LockBit, for his alleged involvement in developing and distributing the LockBit ransomware. According to the indictment, Khoroshev performed both administrative and operational roles for the cybercrime group, including upgrading the LockBit infrastructure, […]
National Cyber Security Centre Forecasts Upcoming Cyber Threats with AI Use for Attacks
On January 24, 2024, the U.K.’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) released a new report, The near-term impact of AI on the cyber threat, detailing how Artificial Intelligence (AI) will impact the effectiveness of cyber operations for 2025 and beyond. According to the report, threat actors are already using AI in cyber attacks and the […]
FBI Develops Decryption Tool to Combat Blackcat Ransomware
On December 19, 2023, the Justice Department (“DOJ”) announced a disruption campaign against the Blackcat ransomware group. In the same press release, they also stated that the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”) had developed a decryption tool to combat ALPHV/Blackcat’s ransomware variant. Over the last couple of years, Blackcat’s ransomware has risen in popularity and […]
Ransomware Group, in Midst of Extortion Attempt, Files Regulatory Notice with SEC
Just a month before the Security and Exchange Commission’s (“SEC’s”) Material Cybersecurity Incidents Rule is set to take effect, a ransomware group has apparently taken compliance with reporting requirements into its own hands. On November 15, 2023, the ransomware group known as BlackCat (also known as “AlphV”) posted a notice on its leak site alleging […]