2024 sees continued increase in ransomware activity

In this Help Net Security video, Ryan Bell, Threat Intelligence Manager at Corvus Insurance, discusses how ransomware will continue to grow in 2024. In January, Corvus reported that global ransomware attacks in 2023 set a record high, surpassing 2022 b… Continue reading 2024 sees continued increase in ransomware activity

97% of organizations hit by ransomware turn to law enforcement

Sophos has released additional findings from its annual “State of Ransomware 2024” survey. According to the report, among organizations surveyed, 97% of those hit by ransomware over the past year engaged with law enforcement and/or official government … Continue reading 97% of organizations hit by ransomware turn to law enforcement

LockBit leader unmasked: US charges Russian national

Russian national Dmitry Khoroshev is “LockBitSupp”, the creator, developer and administator of the infamous LockBit ransomware group, according to UK, US and Australia law enforcement agencies. The US Justice Deparment has unsealed charges … Continue reading LockBit leader unmasked: US charges Russian national

Ransomware operations are becoming less profitable

As the number of real (and fake) victims of ransomware gangs continues to rise, the number of ransomware payments is falling, along with the average ransom payment. The reasons behind this decrease are many: increased cyber resilience of organizations … Continue reading Ransomware operations are becoming less profitable

Authorities take down LabHost, phishing-as-a-service platform

Law enforcement from 19 countries severely disrupted one of the world’s largest phishing-as-a-service platform, known as LabHost. This year-long operation, coordinated at the international level by Europol, resulted in the compromise of LabHost’s infra… Continue reading Authorities take down LabHost, phishing-as-a-service platform

The effects of law enforcement takedowns on the ransomware landscape

While the results of law enforcement action against ransomware-as-a-service operators Alphv/BlackCat and LockBit are yet to be fully realized, the August 2023 disruption of the Qakbot botnet has had one notable effect: ransomware affiliates have switch… Continue reading The effects of law enforcement takedowns on the ransomware landscape

Avast ordered to pay $16.5 million for misuse of user data

The Federal Trade Commission will require software provider Avast to pay $16.5 million and prohibit the company from selling or licensing any web browsing data for advertising purposes to settle charges that the company and its subsidiaries sold such i… Continue reading Avast ordered to pay $16.5 million for misuse of user data

LockBit takedown: Infrastructure disrupted, criminals arrested, decryption keys recovered

In the wake of yesterday’s surprise law enforcement takeover of LockBit’s leak site, the UK National Crime Agency (NCA) and Europol have shared more information about the extent of the takedown. “Today, after infiltrating the group’s … Continue reading LockBit takedown: Infrastructure disrupted, criminals arrested, decryption keys recovered

LockBit disrupted by international law enforcement task force

On Monday afternoon, LockBit’s leak site has been taken over by a coalition of law enforcement agencies and is showing a seizure notice that promises more details today, at 11:30 GMT. “This site is now under the control of The National Crim… Continue reading LockBit disrupted by international law enforcement task force