Source URL: https://www.theregister.com/2025/01/31/banner_year_for_ransomware_gangs/
Source: The Register
Title: Another banner year for ransomware gangs despite takedowns by the cops
Feedly Summary: And it doesn’t take a crystal ball to predict the future
If the nonstop flood of ransomware attacks doesn’t already make every day feel like Groundhog Day, then a look back at 2024 – and predictions for 2025 – definitely will.…
AI Summary and Description: Yes
**Summary:** The report highlights a significant surge in ransomware attacks observed in 2024, with a focus on critical national infrastructure and the industrial sector. It predicts that trends will continue into 2025, suggesting that ransomware-as-a-service (RaaS) will proliferate, fueled by factors such as the growing profitability of cryptocurrency and easier access for less skilled criminals to launch attacks.
**Detailed Description:**
The analysis from NCC Group sheds light on alarming trends in ransomware attacks:
– **Attack Statistics:**
– 5,263 ransomware attacks recorded in 2024, marking a 15% increase from the previous year.
– The industrial sector was notably targeted, accounting for 1,424 attacks, an increase from 1,240 in 2023.
– **Contributing Factors:**
– Vulnerable products, exploited credentials, and geopolitical tensions were crucial in the escalation of ransomware incidents.
– The rise in RaaS has lowered the barrier for entry into cybercrime for less technically skilled operatives.
– Increasing cryptocurrency values have made ransomware more lucrative, encouraging higher attack volumes.
– **Law Enforcement Struggles:**
– Despite law enforcement efforts, there is a perception of a “whack-a-mole” situation where disruptions to one ransomware gang lead to the emergence of others.
– Notable operations, including the takedown of LockBit, showcased both the challenges and the ongoing presence of new criminal organizations.
– **Emergence of New Gangs:**
– The growth of ransomware gangs has been staggering, with the number jumping from 62 in 2023 to 94 in 2024.
– RansomHub emerged as a formidable player, quickly gaining traction amidst law enforcement crackdowns on existing gangs. It recorded 501 known victims in 2024.
– **Future Expectations:**
– The NCC Group anticipates a sustained trend of ransomware operations, particularly through RaaS, due to the cycle of law enforcement targeting major groups while enabling affiliates to seek new criminal enterprises for support and resources.
This report offers vital insights for security professionals in AI, cloud, and infrastructure, emphasizing the need for enhanced security measures within critical industries and a proactive approach to ransomware threats, especially in light of the evolving tactics employed by cybercriminals.