Source URL: https://www.theregister.com/2025/04/24/ransomware_scum_and_other_crims/
Source: The Register
Title: Ransomware scum and other crims bilked victims out of a ‘staggering’ $16.6B last year, says FBI
Feedly Summary: Biggest threat to America’s critical infrastructure? Ransomware
Digital scammers and extortionists bilked businesses and individuals in the US out of a “staggering" $16.6 billion last year, according to the FBI — the highest losses recorded since bureau’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) started tracking them 25 years ago.…
AI Summary and Description: Yes
Summary: The text highlights ransomware as a significant threat to America’s critical infrastructure, emphasizing the staggering financial impact on businesses and individuals, as reported by the FBI. This is particularly relevant for professionals in security and compliance fields who are tasked with mitigating such risks.
Detailed Description: The text underlines the pressing issue of ransomware, which poses a considerable threat to critical infrastructure in the United States. A report by the FBI reveals that digital scams and extortion led to unprecedented financial losses, marking a critical moment for security professionals to reassess their strategies.
– Ransomware is identified as a major threat, affecting both businesses and individuals.
– In the previous year, extortionists caused losses amounting to $16.6 billion in the US.
– This figure represents the highest recorded losses since the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) initiated its tracking in the last 25 years.
The implications of this information for security and compliance professionals are significant, as it underscores the need for enhanced security measures, including:
– Robust incident response plans specifically tailored to ransomware threats.
– Employee training programs focusing on recognizing phishing attempts and securing sensitive data.
– Increased investment in cybersecurity technologies, such as intrusion detection and prevention systems.
– Regular security assessments to identify vulnerabilities within the critical infrastructure.
Given the alarming statistics, it is crucial for professionals to implement best practices in cybersecurity to protect both resources and sensitive information, ultimately contributing to the resilience of national infrastructure against such threats.